Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/9/2005

Question
I have a federal style mirror which was represented as a period piece.  Got it from a reputable dealer.  Condition is fair.  (My estimation.)  Love the mirror and would like to improve the condition.  It has some slight bubbling/unevenness in the finish on one side. The uneven finish area is about .5"x 9".   Any suggestions?  

Answer
Hi Mark
Nice to hear from you.
First in order to fix a finish, you must know what it is.
Test for a particular finish by applying its solvent in a hidden area of the piece.
Most pre-1920's clear finishes contain shellac and are dissolvable in denatured alcohol.
Nearly all commercial furniture made after 1920 is laquer which dissolves in laquer thinner.
Varnish can often be softened with laquer thinner or of course commercial paint remover.
So once you find the chemical that softens your finish, you can "reamalgamate" the finish in this area.
This process consists of dissolving and reapplying the finish with some of the finishes original solvent.
Reamalgamation is an easy process and its results are often remarkably successful.
First use a hidden area as mentioned to determine the finish.
Once this is done proceed to the damage.
Clean the surface well with paint thinner.
Dip a piece of fine steel wool in the appropiate solvent and apply it to the wood.
Try to get the area wet as quickly as possible so the solvent does not evaporate.
Continue rubbing in the solvent until the defects disappear.
Then apply more solvent and smooth the newly reamagamated finish with long strokes in the direction of the grain in the wood.
You will find the solvent dries almost instantly leaving a surface that looks like new.
Apply a paste wax as protection.
A word of caution Marc. If there is guilding in or near the damaged area that may be wet with the solvent, this will be a job for a pro as I would advise you not to try this.
Good Luck Marc
Regards
Eileen