Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/24/2005

Question
I have an old secretary from my grandparent's home.  It has a drop leaf front which serves as the desk and inside it has little cubbies and a small drawer in the middle.  Since I know nothing about antiques I have no idea about this piece except that I'm 62 and it was in my grandparents home when I was a child in the 40's.  So it is about 100 years old but my granny always said "it wasn't very good" whatever that means.  When I was a newlywed in the 60's I painted it.  It had a black stain/color before I applied paint and the wood is sort of reddish but I don't think it's mahogany.  I can take photos to email if it helps.
My question is:  How should I removed the paint and once I'm down to the wood, then what?  If I have it professionally done how much would it likely cost?  And is it worth having done professionally?  Any help would be appreciated.
Anne Brown

Answer
Hi Anne
Nice to hear from you
Sorry about the delay in getting back to you but my server has been down.
Anne I would certainly have a pro look at this and give a quote to restore it.
If you have never attempted stripping before, I would not start with an heirloom like this.
I would like to see a picture if I could.
Send to
ecronk@sympatico.ca
Regards
Eileen