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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/singer sewing machine cabinet

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Expert: - 5/20/2010


Question

drawer
I purchased an old singer sewing machine that was manufactured around 1900. Most of the woodwork still seems in fairly good condition to me(except for the top that needs a whole new veneer!). I am not sure if it has a "finish" on it or if the veneer still has a shine to it. What products can I use to help take care of the woodwork and help preserve it? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Amanda
Nice to hear from you.
Gosh I wish you had sent a picture of the entire cabinet.
What I see is pretty nice.
Its Birds Eye maple veneer.
I wonder how the entire top could get so badly damaged as to need replacing when the drawer looks well cared for.
I am going to guess the cabinet has been refinished at some point in its life (well too).
The way we preserve wood is to keep it away from moisture, out of direct sunlight and away from heat registers and extreme temp changes. Pretty easy to do.
The only other thing necessary is a light coat of Bri paste wax yearly.
Hope this helps
Eileen  

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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