Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/22/2007

Question
I just purchased a Gov. Winthrop Style Secretary ( I think )
that needs to be cleaned up or refinished. It appears that it has not seen a dustcloth for awhile. One of the clawfeet has been broken off also and I will need to repair it. I really no nothing about deep cleaning or refinsihing but know I can with some direction. I would be very thankful for any help you can give me.  

Answer
Hi Jim
Nice to hear from you.
After the repairs are done, perhaps all the desk needs is a good cleaning and a waxing or oiling.
I'd try that before considering a full refinish which may not be necessary.
So get a bottle of mineral spirits (also called varsol) and a box of fine steel wool.
Simply dip the steel wool in the varsol and use it as a scrub pad to clean the desk. And don't be lax with this step. You want the wood really clean.
This will remove years of old wax and grime.
Dry with clean rags as you go.
Next in this case I would get a small can of Minwax stain in Special Walnut color and just rub that over the entire desk with a clean rag.
Of course wipe back any excess. This is just a very light coat that hopefully will hide any scratches and help in the repair area.
Let this dry well. Could take 48 hours.
Then rub on a light coat of low lustre tung oil with a rag.
Hopefully your desk will look like new.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen