You are here:

Collectibles-General (Antiques)/50's walnut veneer DR table and chairs

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/12/2010


Question

Hello: I read your advice for Mary about refinishing her veneer table top.  I want to make sure I should follow the same advice. table top is very dry/faded looking and has several wine stains.
It has not been oiled or stained in several years.  I bought it at an estate sale.  The table and chair legs look solid wood and are in better shape.  We LOVE this set and want to do it justice!
Also, it gets used 3-4 times per month and gets water and wine stains mostly.  Should I use Tung oil or the poly finish after the stain?
Thanks in advance!

Answer
Hi Pili
Nice to hear from you.
Are you certain this table top veneer is wood and not arborite?
If its wood and the finish has worn off you can just clean it well to ensure there is no grease or grime on it and rub a couple of coats of tung oil over it as a good quick fix.
Use mineral spirits to clean the top. Dip fine steel wool or a rag in the spirits and wipe the top down. Then apply the oil.
Tung oil actually stands up very well under the conditions you describe. And the beauty of it is you simply apply another coat when it shows any wear.
Pili, without seeing the top in person, Its hard to tell if all the finish is worn off so the staining part will be your call. If you apply stain and there is finish, it may not suit in this case.
Keep me posted.
Eileen

    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you so much! I can't wait to get my supplies tomorrow and start. I will keep you posted!


  • Ask a Question

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.