Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/18/2007

Question
I recently purchased an old home that has beautiful oak trim throughout the house.  We would like to restore it as best as possible but the problem is that it has lost its luster and there is some crayon writing on some of the trim.  We do not know where to start?  Any tips and instructions would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you

Answer
Hi Mike
Nice to hear from you.
This will be a big job Mike but well worth the effort.
When I say big I do not mean hard...just time consuming.
First a thorough cleaning.
I would use a good quality degreaser. One of those orange type cleaners that cut grease and grime.
Up here in Canada we have a product called "Citrus Solve".
Its great for this, but there are other good ones too.
Mix a good strong solution, and use medium steel wool as a scrub pad. This will really clean and slightly deglaze the wood.
On the crayon, varsol or mineral spirits should remove that.
Then when all is really dry, rub on a coat or 2 of tung oil with a rag.
The choice of high gloss or low gloss is yours.
Sounds like a great house.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen