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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Refinishing damaged wood

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Expert: - 2/11/2010


Question
Thank you in advance. I have a birch wood hutch counter top (25 yrs. old) I damaged about an 8" circle when a "plug in" air freshner spilled on it. The finish came off down to the bear wood.
I'm not sure if the finish is varnish or laquer.  I know they sprayed it on in several coats and it has been a very durable finish.
Is it possible to just refinish the damaged area or do I have to refinish the whole top? Will it be difficult to match the color on the rest of the hutch? What it the best procedure to do this project.

Answer
Hi Charlotte
Nice to hear from you.
Your very durable sprayed on finish will be lacquer.
Unfortunately this is not a repair we do it yourselfers can do in the home.
It will however be an easy repair for a pro.
Yes its possible for a pro to color match the top to the rest of the finish.
I am hearing about a lot of finish damage from these air fresheners. I must look at the can and see what the heck is in them LOL.
A pro will have to decide if they can spot repair (which I doubt) or refinish the entire top.
Not the answer you where hoping for but just the way it is.
Kind Regards
Eileen

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

Experience

I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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