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Question
Hi, we have 8 oak chairs from about the 1880s we have tried alot of things to bring out the oak hidden below the almost blacken surfuce.Is there any easy way of doing this?
We bought a lot of over the counter cleaners but they really don't do the job.
Hi Robert
Nice to hear from you.
These chairs must have very dark varnish applied to them.
There is just no way to remove this without a full stripping and refinish.
It was just what the style was back then.
And you have obviously tried cleaning so its not dirt but the actual finish.
I have removed lots of this stuff in my day and its a nasty gooey sticky job but the results are well worth it.
Just to be assured its not grime, use steel wool dipped in mineral spirits as a final cleaning try.
Hope this helps
Kindest Regards
Eileen
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| Comment | Thank you so much for getting back to me so fast! Your info-helped me and now I know what I have to do!! Thanks Again, Bob. | ||
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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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