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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Refinishing of old cedar chest

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Expert: - 8/5/2006


Question
My husband inherited an Ed Roos Cedar Chest from his mother.  Unfortunately, it has several water  marks where plants were placed on the top.  Should I refinish the trunk?  If so, what materials would be best suited?  The top and front of the chest are wood veneer.  

Answer
Hi Lavonne
Nice to hear from you.
This top will have to be stripped and refinished. There is no other way.
A good paint stripper, a stain color that best matches the original, and I would finish with 3 coats of low lustre tung oil.
All the above are available at the hardware.
A great project and certainly worth the effort involved.
Good Luck
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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