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Question
i have just received a cedar chest from my friend. although it is in good general condition it is very dirty and the carvings on the front and the top are very discoloured. i would love to clean it up. it is a beautiful piece of furniture. any help you can give is greatly appreciated.
Hi Eileen
Nice to hear from you.
We clean old furniture with mineral spirits (called varsol in Canada).
Use a rag dipped in it for lighter dirt and a very fine steel wool pad (not SOS), dipped in it for heavy dirt.
Use the steel wool pad as a scrubber.
Always try to work with the grain when using the steel wool pad.
Dry as you go with clean rags.
You will be amazed at the dirt this removes.
When your drying rags no longer get dirty your chest is clean and ready for a nice polish.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen
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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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