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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/refinishing old wardrobe
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Question
I kept a old wardrobe (closet) that my mother-in-law was going to toss out...with plans to convert it to a gun cabinet...it's a thin wood panel cabinet with bolt-styl locks that read N.L. Company, Rockford...anyway i want to preserve the hardware but the test areas of the wood do not tolerate a light palm sanding AT ALL..kind of ashes (grays) up under light sanding..shoult I attempt to sand, as it is very thin...or attempt a stripping...or just re-stain with another stain, such as Minwax ?
Hi Travis
Nice to hear from you.
Why not first try a good cleaning with fine steel wool dipped in mineral spirits then dried with a rag.
Then a coat of Minwax stain rubbed on with a rag.
Just a thin coat well rubbed.
Then a coat of low lustre tung oil applied with a rag again.
Then if you do not like the result, a full strip and refinsh. But I think you will like it. And NO sanding LOL.
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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