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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Blistering varnish on Baltic Pine Table

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Expert: - 3/6/2011


Question
Blistered Varnish
Blistered Varnish  
QUESTION: I have a round baltic pine dining table that extends by raising a 'flap' that folds in under the centre of the table before closing the ends.
The varnish on the extension piece has started to blister and break away leaving exposed timber.  There is also a small section alongside the centre edge of the main table top where the varnish has 'crazed' a little.  I also have a photo of the crazing if you'd like it.
Any ideas on what may have caused this?
Also can I sand the whole table top and re-varnish it?  If so what should I use?

ANSWER: Ho Lorraine, to me that looks like more than just the varnish....it looks almost like a veneer, and water damage....is this a factory made table?? Refinishing a table like this is not an easy task unless you're experienced with such work....are you?? And sanding is NOT the way to remove the finish, especially if it IS veneer and needs some repair.....stripping it is the way to go, but the repairs should be done first- Post back if need be- Regards- Greg

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Greg,
Yes the table is factory made and we have suspected water damage (probably whilst our home was house sat recently.)
No, neither my husband nor I have had any experience with such work, although my husband is very handy and has done a reasonable amount of woodwork in the past.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Lorraine

Answer
Refinishing a table like this really isn't for the inexperienced, so I would suggest having it evaluated by a Pro restorer..especially because it's a dining table, and they "show" everything if refinished poorly....please post back if need be. Regards- 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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