AboutEileen 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.
Question I have a wood vanity and chester drawer set that came to me from my great grandfather. I have been trying to strip it down to the base to see what kind of wood it really is. The first few layers were just black tarry guck but am down to a reddish color. The handles on both pieces have like a "grape" design and are beautiful. I have no idea how to get down in between the "grapes" to get the nasty black coat off. Any suggestions? I also wonder if you can point me in the right direction to find out the origin of the pieces. Would love to find a long dresser or bed frame to go with my 2 pieces. The handles are like a half circle that you slip your fingers under to pull the drawer out and the "grapes" are craved on top of the semi circle. Any clue would be good. I know he lived his whole life in Victoria, Virginia so maybe a local artist if you have any on file from that area. Thank you for any advice you can provide.
Answer Hi Melissa
Nice to hear from you.
Your furniture sounds lovely.
How nice to have these heirlooms from your great Grandfather.
The black tarry finish you describe will be varnish, and the reddish wood underneath will be mahogany I think.
Intricate designs can be a bit tricky, but they will come up nicely if done correctly.
First of all, can the handles be removed?
Look on the back side for screws which can be removed.
Then simply drop them in paint stripper for a few minutes then remove and wipe as much guck off as possible with a rag. Then back in the stripper and wipe again. Then take an old tooth brush to get in all the cracks and crannies.
This could take 3 soaks in the stripper, but it will come off.
If the handles cannot be removed (which I doubt), apply the stripper with a brush, and proceed the same as above.
Unless there is an identifying label of some kind on your furniture to tell us the maker it is impossible to trace its origins.
If the vanity has a mirror, a date is often found on the back of the glass which would indicate the year it was made.
I am also going to send you 2 links which may be helpful to you. Look them over and see if anything comes close to your pieces.
Often this is helpful.
The links will follow this.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen
Hi Again Melissa
Here is the link.
There are several pages, so search them all.
This site gives the date and value and is very helpful.
Good luck
