Expert: Greg Scholl - 1/6/2011

Question
Hi. I have an older, fairly inexpensively made four-drawer chest with it's original finish. It's design is very pretty to me. It may really have been made 40 or 50+ years ago, but I'm not certain. It came from a favorite re-sale shop.  
I would like to know why the surface of the sides and top of the chest, plus the front of the top drawer, appear much smoother, and have an much older, more pleasing appearance than the other three drawer fronts. The finish was sprayed on the entire chest. The three not so pretty drawer fronts looked somehow plastic-like. The finish appeared mottled and thick. Compared to the top of the chest and the top drawer, they looked (to me) as though someone had sprayed on a mixture of stain and low gloss clear finish, without sanding. I don't see how that could have happened in a factory... What can you tell me about this? I didn't know what to do, so I stripped and sanded them, and then applied an oil-based red mahogany stain--a good match. I was planning to wipe on two coats of clear shellac (I realize this isn't usually done--but it does work if the stain is truly dry), and then use 0000 steel wool and a dark wax to see if I could mimic the rest of the chest. I aleady had the stain and shellac. I've purchased the wax. I guess I thought it was worth trying, because I couldn't live with the way it looked before. Is it possible this could work? What else could I try? (Preferably without spending a lot.)
What type of finish do you think is on the chest? I've already tested for lacquer and shellac. I'm certain it's not either of those.  
And finally, how can I estimate the age of this chest? I plan to use it myself, so it's not vital that I know... but I really would like to. The inside of the case looks kind of new, the wood is light in color--not aged, but very, very dry... The outside, meaning the top, sides, back, and that top drawer, look as old as its old-fashioned style. 1960's?
I'm not sure how you manage to answer all of the questions you much recieve... Thank you.      Sincerely, Melissa

Answer
Hi Melissa, it's most likely lacquer if it is a factory produced piece. Most furniture of that era was, as it dries quickly and can be manipulated with toning, shading, etc.  common techniques used in furniture finishing to deepen or enhance colors, blend differing wood grain, and produce an overall deep, rich, finish.Then shipped out rather soon after finishing. Old lacquer may not soften easily with thinner, but alcohol will make shellac sticky....Varnishes really weren't used in factories that recently, mostly for the fact that they dry so slowly, (12-24hrs per coat), while lacquer can be sprayed on and dries in 30-60 Minutes....and several coats can be applied in a day.Shellac can be used over any properly dried stain, and works well over oil stains. It will not look like a lacquer finish though. Establishing the age is a matter of a little detective work. Construction, hardware, joinery, and materials all will play a part, and often there is a mark it was produced in that era. Inside a drawer underneath, on the back. The easy way is to take it or some good photos of it to a good consignment shop, and pose as if you're interested in selling it or consigning it....they will evaluate it with you in order to establish a price range, and you will likely glean quite a bit of information about it.....hope that helps a little- post back if need be- Greg