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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Antique Chinese Lacquered Standing Floor Screen

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Expert: - 1/26/2011


Question
I recently purchased an antique 18th Century Chinese lacquered standing 6 foot 6 panel floor screen with Jadeite, Nephrite, and Serpentine semi-precious stones laminated or glued to create an outdoor scene being eight horses/trees/flowers and mythical creatures (all of the features were created from the semi-precious stones listed above.  My question is to find out how to clean, repair small damage to lacquer.  I am deeply concerned that I might use the wrong cleaning agents as well as how to maintain the lacquer.  Thank you in advance.

Answer
In my opinion this is a job for a Pro Restorer..these screens are VERY fragile,and need to be treated very carefully.The most important thing is the environment they are displayed in, in terms of relative humidity. MUCH damage can occur from drying,(or dampness for that matter) especially if you're located in a Winter climate (Heating sources). Pieces like this should be located away from heat sources and the room monitored with a hygrometer so you know what the relative humidity is in the space(or room), and adjustments will be necessary throughout the year to maintain it in top shape...NO cleaning "agents" should be used...perhaps a careful dusting occaisonally by someone who is aware of what they are touching....and a close, visual inspection every few months to be sure it is ok...hope that helps- Post back if need be. Call a few reputable Antique dealers for a Restorer recommendation...they will know who is good in the area.

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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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