Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/3/2005

Question
thanks for the response but forgive my naivete.  what brands of wax & soap?  i've got no idea where to start w/ that kind of stuff.  willing to try whatever you suggest.  could be smoke on the finish.  hard to say.  anyway, thanks.

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Followup To
Question -
i have an art deco tallboy which still has the original finish.  i don't want to refinish it but i want to bring the lustre back out of the existing finish.  it looks dull sitting next to the art deco vanity which really pops w/ its bright finish.  any suggestions?  thanks.

db
Answer -
Hi David
Nice to hear from you.
Have you tried waxing.
Is there any way it could be dirty...fireplace, smoking etc?
Maybe first try washing with a mild detergent like dish soap, then wax.
Do not saturate with water, and dry as you go.
Regards
Eileen

Answer
Hi Again David
Please forgive me...I should have explained that.
First try some dish soap...Polmolive or Ivory dish soap is good.
Just add the amount to warm water that you would for dishes.
Dip and wring your cloth and wipe a small area then buff it with a dry cloth...do you notice any dirt on your cloth after this, and does the wood look better.
If not, try Murphys oil soap...this is a liquid and available in small bottles at the hardware store.
Follow the mixing instructions and proceed as above.
Murphys usually will remove most household dirt from furniture.
Look at your hardware store again for a paste wax for furniture...not bees wax as I find it very hard to apply.
Never use those spray waxes such as Pledge on your furniture.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen