Collectibles-General (Antiques)/gummy varnish

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Expert: - 10/11/2008


Question
We live in a old farm house built in 1948. It has wood kitchen cabinets that have  gummy varnish that I would like to clean off and not have to sand. I have been told to scrub them with orange oil and that would work. Any advice would be appreciated to keep me from having to sand. I just want to do the doors (30 with cupboards & drawers) the insides are very nice.

Answer
Hi Janice
Nice to hear from you.
While these citrus cleaners are good degreasers, in this case I would not use it.
Instead I would use mineral spirits.
Use a medium grade steel wool pad dipped in the spirits as a scrubber.
This is the very best way to get rid of this gumminess..I know it well LOL.
Be fairly agressive with your scrubbing and I feel this will let you avoid sanding.
Good Luck
Eileen

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc. I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.

Experience

I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.

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