Expert: Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson - 1/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: We own an S. Bent & Sons dining room set made of ash with an oak stain. The tabletop had a protective coating on it, but it seems to have gotten a hazy look to it. The set is from 1988, and was fairly expensive then when purchased. Any suggestions on how to restore the luster?

ANSWER: Thanks for your question,

 You didn't say how old the table is. An older table would probably have varnish or lacquer as the topcoat. A table made in the last 20 years or so could have a poly or another newer finish.
If it's older,you could try cleaning it with mineral spirits[paint thinner] then buffing it with pumice or doing a French Polish. Both of these methods would require a more space for directions then I have but you can get information of the net or from a library on how to do these processes.
 If the table is newer, it may require stripping the old finish off then recoat to restore it. Some of the newer finishes or what I call, "none repairable".
I would contact a restorer in your area and try to have them look at it in your home or if you have to take it to them before doing anything to be sure of what your working with and what they recomend doing. We don't want to make it worse then it is right now and I don't know what you would feel comfortable doing yourself.

 Good Luck,
  Rob
 http://www.andersonsrestorations.com

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

QUESTION: The table was manufactured in the 1980s. I bought it new. The coating is supposed to be protective, but has become hazy, as I said.

Answer
With a finish from that time period, I would suggest having someone look at it. There are so many "new" finishes being used and as I said, some are not repairable. I'm sorry I can't be of more help in this matter.
Rob
http://www.andersonsrestorations.com