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ANTIQUE FURNITURE RESTORATION DISCUSSION BOARD

Re: teak wood

Posted By: James Schooley (0-1pool246-167.nas2.sioux-city1.ia.us.da.qwest.net)
Date: 3/8/4 01:16

In Response To: teak wood (mona)

You have found the flaw in imported furniture from the Asian market. Moisture in the US can cause extreme shrinkage in these pieces and more cracking may result. the best advice I have for you would be to raise the moisture in your home to at least 40% for the next few months, if it isn't there already. All owners of fine furniture need to look at this moisture shortage during the winter and excess moisture in the summer, 35% is as low as experts suggest for safe levels, in order to preserve fine wood furniture. In the colder states the moisture is too low for antique furniture, as well, the forced air furnace reduces the content in the home even more. Yes, you may have a damp item, however fixing the crack before the shrinkage has leveled off will be futile. A couple coats of oil stain, like Watco, on any unfinished surfaces like the bottom will help. An expert can use a moisture meter for now to determine the present moisture content in the wood. Once it has leveled off at about 6-10% you can have the crack repaired with glue and mabey a burn-in touch-up to hide the crack. Temporarily some mend plates, placed underneath, could help prevent additional cracking.

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