Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/28/2005

Question
I have a table and six chairs that I believe to be antique.  A tag on the underside of the table states "Western Chair Co. Manufacturers- Dinah Cook Breakfast Sets Miracle Tables".  It also states it is maple.  The top of the table seems to be losing its finish, it is coming off in tiny "splinters".  The chairs are in perfect shape as is the flip out leaf.  Should I refinish the table top and not the chairs or should each piece be done?  I do not know if this is valuable the way it is and maybe should be left alone?  Any recommendations would be helpful. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Kristen
Nice to hear from you.
This set sounds lovely, but I doubt its antique from what you describe.
Probably made in the 50's.
You certainly should refinish this table top if you use it regularly. If moisture gets into the wood you will get black spots. These are very hard to remove from maple.
Wood bleach helps remove the black, but usually agressive sanding is the only recourse and you do not want this to happen.
If this is done now, no sanding should be necessary.
Simply remove the finish on the top with paint stripper.
I think you will have to apply a stain to match the rest of your set, then your finish after that.
In this case I recommend a low lustre poly be applied as a finish to protect the wood.
Kristen if you need more detailed instructions on how to do this let me know. And please do not wait too long to make this repair.
Kindest Regards
Eileen