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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Identifying the problem

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Expert: - 3/16/2010


Question

Table 1
By reading through several of your posts on “chipping” issues, I assume that what I am looking at (please see the attached three photos) on my table top is the finish chipping off, and that the only solution is to completely strip and refinish it.  (In case the pictures are not visible, my table top has a two-toned finish. There is a 1.5” band of a lighter colored finish all the way around the edge, and a darker interior. I really can’t say what the finish is, except that it almost has a glass-like appearance.  Interestingly though, only the darker interior finish is chipping away.)  If this is the case, 1) what is actually chipping off?; and 2) is there any way to refinish it while maintaining the two-toned appearance?

Thank you in advance.

Answer
Hi Meg, I only received one picture, but this almost looks like a Polyester finish....what's the history of this table? Is it modern? A Professional would probably be able to recreate the finish, but polyester does not come of easily, or repair at all. This definitely would have to be taken down to the wood, and it may have to be physically scraped off. This wouldn't be a job for a novice I fear....and it could be quite expensive. Post back if need be- Greg

Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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