Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/30/2009

Question
I picked up a Duncan or what I believe to be one at a flea market, it has all the leaves is solid wood, I believe Mahogany, and has no structural damage, it does however have scratches  in the finish. I have tried to buff out with bees wax but no go.. too deep for that. Will it deplete the value to completely refinish it? and how would I go about it?  

Answer
Hi Shawn
Nice to hear from you.
Your table will be "in the style of Duncan Phyfe" and will not be de-valued by a proper refinishing. It sounds like the scratches have penetrated the finish so the wood could be damaged from moisture if this is not remedied.
And you will want to use your table so you want it to look nice.
If its mahogany, thats a bonus as this wood refinishes beautifully.
Here are the instructions

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STRIPPING FURNITURE
The first thing you must do is assemble the material to do the job.
The stripper is the most important item.  
I am hoping you can get "CIRCA 1850" brand paint and varnish remover in your area.
Here is a link
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1694&familyN...
If this brand is not available, ask for a similar MC stripper.

MATERIAL LIST For the stripping stage.
1 gallon stripper
3 boxes of Bull Dog steel wool in medium grade.
One 3 inch oil based paint brush.
Rubber gloves (like you do dishes with), and a pair of cotton gloves inside the rubber ones.
People react differently to stripper. A lot of people feel heat through the rubber gloves, but I feel cold. Have no idea why.
An empty large coffee can. (for the stripper)
A couple of old tooth brushes.
Lots of old rags (I like t-shirts or cotton but for this first stage whatever you have)
Lots of newspaper to protect the garage floor
LOTS OF VENTILATION..A MUST
That's all you need to get started.
HERES WHAT YOU DO...
Work in sections.
Brush on the stripper with the brush. Stripper will quit working if it dries, so keep it wet till the finish softens.
Then take a rag and wipe this mess off.
Then another coat of stripper, rag off again, then while the wood is still wet, take the steel wool and rub with the grain till the wood is nice and clean.
Depending on the material you are removing, another coat of stripper is often needed but you will know this as you progress into the job.
Use the toothbrush in crevices.
Thats all there is to it ...move to another section and continue.
No other prep is necessary...and DO NOT SAND
When the stripping is complete, stain with Minwax oil stain. Minwax Special Walnut is a good choice for your table.
Then your clear coat.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Happy New Year
Eileen