Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/20/2006

Question
The desk was in my mother's condo (elec. heat) for the past few decades, prior to that it was in front of a baseboard register for 30 plus years in the house(my present home) where I grew up. Do you really think more moisture in the air would make a substansive difference?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hello, I inherited this desk which belonged to my Irish Immigrant grandmother this year. I am very nervous as to the care and cleaning of this item as it's sentimental value to my family is off the charts. (My sisters would kill me if anything happened to it.) My mom was a heavy smoker and I have been cleaning it w/ murphy's oil soap and polishing w/ liquid gold. I am considering sending it away for repair/refurbishment (not refinishing!) since the back is pulling away and the side is splitting a bit. The base shows signs of wear also.
Any advice as to whether I should just keep it at home and do the best I can or what to look for in a reputible refurbisher?'
PS Can I send you pics?
Thanks, Mary
-----Answer-----
Hi Mary
Nice to hear from you.
Mary if a side of this wonderful desk is splitting it needs attention. If the back is pulling away, it should be easy to put back in place (with the existing nails or screws.) I often cover a toothpick with glue and plug the holes to make them tighter then replace the original nails
or screws when the glue dries.
The side split has me worried as this indicates to me that the piece is too dry.
Can you get some moisture into the house?
Also never place old furniture in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
I would certainly look into these things before considering sending the desk out.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen


Answer
Hi again Mary
Yes I think this wood has gotten very dry and more moisture in the air will help.
I also realise this is hard to do.
I live in Canada and we have heat on 8 months of the year.
I have one old table that regulary splits on the top in winter and the crack closes up in the spring when the heat is off...just like clock work LOL
At least keep the desk away from heat and watch what happens to the crack in humid weather..I bet it disappears
Regards
Eileen