Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/2/2005

Question
I recently "inherited" a sofa from some people who going to dispose of it in favor of something more modern.  It's an old piece which I plan on having recovered.  However, at some point their cat used it as a scratching post and damaged the finish.  The wood is in great shape but needs to be refinished before rehopolstering.  Any suggestions on how to go about it and what I should use?  

Answer
Hi Jason
Nice to hear from you.
The fabric will need to be removed around the edges where the fabric meets the wood, and the proper time to do that is when the fabric has been stripped away. The shop where you take the sofa to be done should be able to do that as part of the job.
It could very well be that all that is needed is a bit of repair to the existing finish. The shop will advise on that I know, but thats usually how this is done.
Without seeing the damage the cat did, its hard to say what needs doing, and without knowing what the existing finish is, its hard to speculate on the repair needed.
However, I'll try LOL.
First go over the damaged area with fine steel wool dipped in mineral spirits to clean well. Then dry.
Next...If the scratches are a different color than the good wood, then you will need some stain to match the good wood. A tiny can is all you will need, and simply rub it on with a rag. Does this hide the marks? If so, then a waxing next will suffice. If the answer is no, then you will need a spray can of colored lacquer sold at your paint store. It comes in many wood tone colors, and is easy use.
This is the stuff that most upholstery places use on the wood parts of sofas and chairs.
So you see Jason what an easy repair this is (if the damage is minor), and that is why the shop will do it for you.
Good Luck
Eileen