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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/cleaning/refinishing dining room table & chairs

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Expert: - 10/9/2005


Question
I received an antique (mahogany?) dining room table & 6 chairs that has been stored in a barn for years.  Looks pretty good, but some mildew, lots of dust built up.  How should I begin cleaning?  
The chairs had contact paper applied to part of the back.  It removes easily but leaves a sticky residue.   What do you suggest?

Answer
Hi Julie
Nice to hear from you.
The only thing to remove contact paper residue is varsol.
And it can also be used to clean the table.
I would get a box of super fine steel wool and use that as a scrub pad dipped in the varsol.
Go over the entire set and dry as you go.
Try to work in the direction of the grain of the wood if possible.
You will be amazed at the dirt this will take off.
Then I would give the entire set a coat of Low lustre tung oil that you apply with a rag.
Good Luck Julie. This should be easy
Kindest 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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