Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Mahogany furniture

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Expert: - 1/15/2012


Question
Hi Eileen,
   We have had a formal mahogany DR set for about 20 years.  I would like to have a more casual room now and have a lighter color.  How light could possibly get the mahogany if I have it stripped? Will in ruin the wood? Will it always have a red hue? Could it be bleached?
   Thanks for any advice you can offer.  Rita Seaman

Answer
Hi Rita
Nice to hear from you.
Rita you asked my advice and I'm happy to give it but don't be disappointed with it LOL.
Your mahogany set cannot be made lighter. Mahogany wood is reddish and darker by nature.
You have had the set for 20 years. Did you get it new?
If so it will have a type of finish thats extremely hard to remove and there would be no point in trying.
My advice would be offer it for sale and get a lighter one.
Hope this helps
Kind Regards
Eileen

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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.

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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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