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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Leathertop table restoration

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Expert: - 4/13/2010


Question
I have a leathertop table that is probably about 60 - 70 years old.  The top is smooth, but there are visible hairline "cracks" that are riddled all over the top.  There are not visible spaces or breaks, but barely raised lines that can be seen in the right light and felt when fingertips are run over them.  Is there anything that can be done to halt or slow this deterioration?  the top could also stand a cleaning.  What is the best care for a tabletop of this type?

Answer
Hi Kathy, what you're seeing is likely hairline cracks in the finish over the lacquer. It's likely lacquered, and after many years, these will develop. The top can be wet sanded and relacquered, but I would not suggest this type of restoration to a novice...it takes experience and knowledge to do this work...any good Restorer should be able to evaluate it with you and give you an estimate. Cleaning can be accomplished with mineral spirits and a few rags, DO NOT use wax or sprays on it until you have it evaluated, as these can contaminate the surface and interfere with the refinishing...especially Pledge which contains Silicones.Hope that helps- post back if need be- Greg

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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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