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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/tung oil on a Hoosier cabinet

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Expert: - 6/23/2008


Question
I have an antique Hoosier cabinet. It was dusty and I wiped it with a damp rag. I want to finish it with tung oil to protect the wood and give it a more attractive finish. What would that do to the value of the piece? Any other ideas?

Answer
Hi Vicki
Nice to hear from you.
I don't feel a coat of tung oil protection would harm the value of a Hoosier in any way.
With anything like this we try, do a little test area in a hidden spot.
Another idea is a nice coat of paste wax.
Hope this helps
Regards
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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