Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello, my father gave me a vanity table that was made in 1921 (found behind the mirror).  I cannot find anything that indicates a specific manufacturer, though.  It looks to be solid wood and veneer.  It has six drawers, a low shelf, and three mirrors.  The veneer is peeling off and it needs quite a bit of work.  I was wondering if it would be wise to look into restoring it myself and if there was a way to find out exactly which company made it?
Thank you,
Courtney

ANSWER: Hi Courtney
Nice to hear from you.
If there is no manufacturer name on your vanity there is no way to find out unfortunately.
These pieces were usually part of an entire bedroom set and were mass produced by the thousands.
They have little if any value when the veneer is damaged, and not much in good condition either.
Having said that, your Dad gave you this and it sounds like you want to use it.
I also find these pieces very well made compared to todays standards.
The veneer repair is the big hurdle.
If the veneer is all there, it can be glued back with care in some cases.
I find the longer veneer is loose, the harder it is to repair.
It seems to expand if left too long.
Perhaps you know a handy wood worker with lots of clamps and a bit of time to assist with the repair.
Once this is achieved, (and it must be done before the refinishing) ,the rest is easy.
I do find these pieces strip and refinish very nicely so don't be discouraged.
Get back to me if you decide to proceed and I'll advise about refinishing.
Kind Regards
Eileen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for helping me with this!  I really appreciate your generosity with your knowledge.  A couple of pieces of veneer are missing, one is broken in half, and the veneer on the tops of the two side pieces are expanding, as you said.  They look like they may be warped.  I don't think my dad stored it in an element-friendly place, but it looks as if it could be reinforced to make it sturdier.  I would love any advice you could give me on restoring/refinishing the piece.  I grew up with the piece and I would love to use it in my foyer.  
The mirror piece looks fine, although it may need some reinforcement, as well; particularly the studs that attach the backing to the wood.
Is it possible to buy new veneer to fit the pieces that are missing?  
Thank you so much for all of your help.  
Courtney

Answer
Hi Again Courtney
Yes its possible to get new veneer but it needs a pretty experienced person to apply.
It sounds like the piece cannot look good even with repairs. Its too far gone to restore.
But I want you to think of this alternative (not a restoration).
First off if you remove all the loose, broken and expanded veneer, you could then sand the piece and paint it.
Imagine it in your foyer painted an eggshell black.
I think it would be quite a conversation piece.
Veneer can be removed by using a hot iron.
You simply run the iron over the loose veneer.
Use a 3 inch scraper to get under the veneer as the glue softens.
It comes right off.
Only removed the damaged areas.
On the chipped areas that are well secured, use wood filler to level out.
It sounds like the top veneer will need to be all removed.
Under the veneer, the wood is not always great so some filling and sanding will be needed.
After the veneer is removed, do any reinforcement.
Keep me posted.
Regards
Eileen