Expert: maura macaluso - 6/28/2007

Question
hi recently had M&M furniture of warren r.i refinish a magnificent breakfront- they brought it to my home in the rain when it was done and about a month later the back panel board completely bowed, to the point it pulled the nails out of the back, about 8 inched off the frame and  i almost lost valued early rose medallion dishes- when he brought he placed  back buy a baseboard radiator, where it was for 30 years - it never bowed before and he blames me now- i didn't do anything wrong  i didnt evem touch it !and i didn't refinish either, he did- what am i to do and why did it bow??

Answer
Bowing or warping is caused by either water or humidity placing stresses on the structure of the wood.  If the breakfront was soaked by the rain, it is possible that this was the cause.  Wood must acclimate to its climate but will also swell with changes in the humidity.  If your breakfront sat in the same place for 30 years, the warping is due to something the refinisher did or didn't do, however it may not have been intentional on his part..  Was the back piece replaced, if so I would say the wood was not properly seasoned and/or acclimated before use. if it was replaced, a different species of wood could have been used.  If the two types of wood are not very similar in properties, it will cause distortion with enough strength to pull the nails out. If the back piece was sanded and then left in a humid area, it could have soaked up some moisture. If the piece was then finished, the moisture would be sealed inside and could react to the humidity of your home. If the back piece was sanded and then not finished because it would not show, it would react to changes in humidity. if only one side of the back panel was refinished, it can place uneven pressures on the wood structures, causing the severe bowing you have described.  The only way to fix this once it has bowed like this is to have the panel replaced by someone knowledgeable in wood properties.  if this is a valuable antique, you will want a top notch restorer to take a look to see if there is a way to salvage the original panel.  The thin  wood panel can be soaked and heat pressed back into shape with good results if a professional were to attempt it.  I would speak nicely to the original refinisher to see if you can work the repair out, if not, seek a more qualified wood person.