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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Rope Seat Chair Restoration
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Question
Can you give me any advice on how to restore a wooden chair that has a rope or twine seat? The rope strings are all intact, but they are dry and grey in color. I was thinking of putting some vegetable oil (i.e. Wesson) on the rope to try to perk up its appearance and maybe extend the life of the rope. Is that a good idea?
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kris
Hi Kris
Nice to hear from you.
Its usually clear shellac thats applied to these seats Kris.
And you can give them a gentle clean with warm soap and water. Just don't saturate and dry immediately.
Preferable in the sun or heat source. This may also shrink the rope up a bit if its sagged.
Then the shellac.
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen
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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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