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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/faded Duncan Phyfe dining table top
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Question
I inherited a nice but very sun faded, Duncan Phyfe table. The wood is in good shape and the leaf inside is beautiful red Mahogany color. Should I try a refinisher on it first, mineral oil, or just start stripping it? No sanding veneer right? Bonnie
Hi Bonnie
First I am sorry your answer is late, but the high winds here knocked out my internet..gosh you sure miss it.
Would you believe Bonnie that this fading of furniture is something I rarely see. I guess living up here in Canada we do not get excessive sun.
It is my opinion however (from the fading I have seen), that the actual wood has faded. Not the finish.
And the only way to get the color back into the wood is a full strip and a stain and the finish reapplied.
The refinisher you mention will soften certain finishes allowing you to "re amalgamate" it.
I do not think that this will help your faded table top.
Mineral oil is useless I feel.
And how right you are Bonnie..no sanding veneer.
And for that matter, no sanding old furniture of any kind unless its to remove damage you cannot live with.
Get back to me is need be.
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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