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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Smoke odor on/in wood furniture

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Expert: - 6/14/2011


Question
I recently acquired a wood dresser and had it painted.  I did not notice the smoke smell originally, however, I  now have it in a bedroom and tehe smell seems very strong.  More of a cigarette smoke smell vs a house fire smell (not that I would know the difference).  I do not smoke, so it is very eveident to me.  I had the whole exterior painted.  What can I do to rid this piece of furniture of the smoke smell?
I welcome any recommendations or advice.

Thank you.

Cecilee

Answer
Hi Cecilee, smoke odors are difficult to remove completely, and it's quite a job to do, as all the exposed surfaces will need to be addressed...there are many products available to try though, I believe they use an enzyme, to remove the odor, and not just mask it....similar to pet odors and urine removers....check Amazon or your local Ace hardware store and ask for a smoke odor eliminator....reading reviews online can help make the decision...and then you'll need to thoroughly and evenly apply it everywhere there is exposed wood..inside and outside of drawers, (and bottoms too), the bottoms and back of the piece as well...outside on a nice sunny day perhaps....just be sure as always to read and follow the manufacturers directions on the product. Best of luck- and feel free to post back- Greg


http://www.myaircleaner.com/product.asp?product=MCP22&utm_source=amazon&utm_medi...

http://www.amazon.com/Zep-19Oz-Odoreliminator-Zu018719-Freshener/dp/B001B11J52

http://www.amazon.com/Dakota-Non-Smoke-Smoke-Odor-Eliminator-Non-Smoke/dp/B001UO...

and there are many more.....

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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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