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ANTIQUE FURNITURE RESTORATION DISCUSSION BOARD
Posted By: James Schooley <furnitureissues@earthlink.net> (0-1pool246-32.nas2.sioux-city1.ia.us.da.qwest.net)
In Response To: fixing the finish on an antique (Kim Lynn)
Date: 4/28/5 10:30
I'm sorry to hear that the soap that is advertised for cleaning wood finishes is not safe for the intended use. I have been repairing this problem for people for years now and telling folks here as well. Murphy's is for very good finishes like floors and woodwork that is varnished and in very good condition. A lot of furniture from the past has begun to break down and may not have been the best when new. There are less invasive ways to clean furniture than hot soapy water, which will destroy an antique shellac finish. As for your present problem, you will need to restore the shellac by first light buffing with 320 grit wet dry sand paper to even out the finish. Wipe down the piece with naptha and a green scotchbrite pad, working in a small area, and removing any loosened film. Continue as the finish yields no more dirt on the wiping cloth. If there is any whiteness to the finish you can give it a quick wipe with a clean lint free cloth, wetted with denatured alcohol. One good swipe is all you should do till the finish redries and if it needs more then you can repeat this step. Next light sand again with 320 grit paper and recoat with a recently produced dewaxed shellac. Apply a couple coats, light sand the dry coat with the 320 grit between coats. When a good filmcoat has been established then you can buff with 0000 steel wool and apply a good paste wax and buff to a satin sheen. Throw away the Murphy's and use lemon oil to clean finishes in the future.
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