AboutGreg Scholl Expertise Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects,Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings,wood species recognition,usage,etc.
Experience Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Sold, built, serviced, setup Home,Industrial and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools, and offered instruction on use and care as well.I even have some Trade show Demo experience.
Organizations none at this time.
Publications Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how"), local newspapers as well
Education/Credentials Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars by Major tool manufacturers, Delta, Powermatic, Performax, Porter Cable, Skil/Bosch to name a few.
Past/Present Clients Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT.(the Antiques capital of CT.) Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.), local Museums and Historical Societies.
Question I just "inherited" the table described above. It is in good condition but looks
to have had several coats of polish or oils. I have no info on the type polish
or oils nor can I get same.
I would like to clean off the table top & re-oil it but would prefer not to go
through the process of sanding etc.
Q: is there a way or a cleaner I can use that will remove the prior polish/oils
without the sanding process? I really don't feel qualified to take that on.
Your response/suggestions will be very much appreciated.
Answer Hi Betty, this type of furniture is usually finished with an oil finish. But these oils finishes are comprised of drying resins and Phenolic compounds which penetrate the wood and harden.Once hard, the only way to remove them is a chemical stripper. These pieces are also almost all veneered, so any sanding is really not recommended. I would wash the table down with Mineral spirits and dry with clean rags. If the table looks even and uniform when wet with the mineral spirits, it's a good indication that simply applying a few coats of oil finish will renew the top. If the surface appears blotchy, uneven, and/or shows patches of different colors, then you'll have to strip it and lightly sand the table before refinishing it. Watco "teak" oil or "Danish" oil is a good choice, or something like WaterLox. If you feel this is beyond your capabilities< I wouldn't hesitate to get a Pro Restorer involved. Hope that helps a little- Post back if need be- Greg
