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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Mahogany bedroom suite

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Expert: - 11/9/2005


Question
I have a 65 year old solid mahogany bedroom set that needs to be cleaned or refinished.  Could you tell me how to do that and what to use?  

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Eileen
Nice to hear from you.
Why not try a good cleaning before even thinking of refinishing.
An entire bedroom suite is a huge job, and if you have never done this before I would not recommend starting with this.
Clean your set with mineral spirits and a very fine steel wool pad as a scrubber. Always try to work with the grain of the wood.
Dry as you go with clean rags.
Then a good coat of wax or lemon oil.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

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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.

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