Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/24/2008

Question
Hi Eileen.  I have a single pedestal Cutler desk that I picked up in a garage sale.  At the time it had been painted with japan black(?)  In my youthful enthusiasm I stripped it back using steel wool and methylated spirits (I think you call this 'denatured alcohol' in USA).  I then applied a mix of linseed oil, beeswax and turpentine.  The wood looks good but I imagine this is not the original finish applied to Cutler's.  I would like to know what the original finish applied to Cutler desks was, and what I need to do to restore the desk back to original, including whether I need to do anything to take off the existing beeswax/linseed oil finish, and whether I need to fill the grain on the American Oak before applying the finish.  Also any tips on applying the finish etc would be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance.
Peter (Victoria, Australia)

Answer
Hi Peter in Austrailia
Nice to hear from you.
Peter if the methylated spirits removed the finish then it was shellac.
It will not remove any other finish.
So thats what you want to restore to original.
Unfortunately now you must completely strip off what you applied.
I would use paint stripper to ensure complete removal.
No grain filling, and apply a stain before the shellac.
If you have never used shellac before, read up on the procedure.
There is a wealth of info on line about the correct mix etc.
Personally I like the finish you used and prefer it to shellac (my two cents worth LOL).
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen