Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/29/2006

Question
I had two 30s mahoghany barrell chairs refinished.  The lacquer was gone from the wood at the top.  The chairs came out dull and lifeless -- the only way I can explain it. Is there such a thing as "overfinishing" so that the wood grain is obscured.  They look nothing like the original finish -- which was glossy, had great depth of color, was a reddish-caramel color. I'm speechless and I don't know what to do with them now, but I would like to know you thoughts on what might have happened.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Melanie
Nice to hear from you.
Oh I am sorry they did this to your chairs but I feel it was a lack of communication between you and the finisher.
If the wood grain is obscured, the finisher applied "colored laquer" to your chairs, and it sounds like they could have put a lot of it on and it has obscured the lovely mahogeny grain.
Nothing can be done but a complete stripping.
Always ask the type of finish that will be used and ask to see some samples of their work.
Any reputable shop is proud to show their work.
Colored laquer is used (in my opinion) LOL to hide imperfections in wood and should not be used on pieces with lovely wood grain.
Kindest Regards
Eileen