Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/23/2010

Question
My parents bought a dinning table and 6 chairs in 1977. So it is over 30 years old. The wood is royal oak. Some of the varnish is off. It scratches very easily. There is some dirt soil on it. The chairs has spindles on the back. I want to clean it and re- varnish it. What is the best way to go about it?

Answer
Hi Pauline
Nice to hear from you.
First determine what the finish is. It could be lacquer at this age.
Get a small can of lacquer thinner.
Put some on a rag and rub the finish in a hidden area. On the table skirt is a good spot.
If its lacquer, the finish will soften. If its poly or varnish it won't.
Once you know what it is, proceed to clean the top well.
Get a small can on mineral spirits and a box of medium steel wool pads.
Dip the wool in the spirit and use it as a scrubber. Work with the grain. Dry with clean rags as you go.
When the rags finally show no dirt, the table is clean
You can then proceed to apply a fresh coat of finish. You may be applying lacquer or varnish depending on your test.
Good Luck
Eileen