Hello, how do I reduce this damage?

[Udhi]

Hello,
I bought two Art Deco wardrobes. On receipt they have a fair few wear marks just on the front doors. The Burr veneer itself is intact.

Is there any way I could reduce the discolouration without stumping up for a full refurb of the doors?

Any waxes, pots or portions from this fast-food world?

Thanks!

 

[masona]

There are good stuff around for this but don't really know what one but I did my coffee table with WD-40 with great result! You could try a small area first, WD-40 is a fish oil!

 

[Udhi]

Thanks Masona,
I am a bit nervy about using WD40 on this - it is a real jobbie from around 1920-1940 (Shrager?).

I remember a conversation somewhere about LINSEED oil being used on cracked paint to remove the paint - apparently the oil seeps in through the cracks, and under the existing paint, reducing its adhesion, making it easier to remove the paint.

I think this might happen to the glossy finish on the wardrobe, if I used WD40.

I think its some kind of lacquer on the doors or varnish I really dont know what is on it, but the wood venier underneath is stunning.

Any other ideas? Would a good wax make it look nicer and reduce these dull patches?

 

[ladylola]

You could also try a wax like Bri-wax applied to the surface with fine or very fine wire wool. Could you retake the pictures without the flash or angle the flash so that it's not reflecting off the doors themselves as the glare is confusing the issue when looking at the pictures.

 

[masona]

I think its some kind of lacquer on the doors or varnish I really dont know what is on it, but the wood venier underneath is stunning.

Any other ideas? Would a good wax make it look nicer and reduce these dull patches?

Just remembered, I have used Colron stripping kits on another coffee table which I'm very pleased.

http://www.colron.co.uk/

http://www.colron.co.uk/prodshow.as...2&projname=Dissolving Old Finishes&intext=int

 

[r896neo]

You definetly need to find out what it is finished with first. No point putting on coat of wax or oil and find you then have to remove it again.

It will be either be french polish, laquer or varnish. Both french polish and laquer can be consolidated and made like new without removing them but varnish is a problem and if cracked can't be sorted out without expert help and or removing it.

Find an inconspicuous area and rub a little bit of methylated spirit on it. If it dissolves the finish it is french polish, if it only partly removes it and its a bit sticky it may be a mix of french polish and laquer.

If it does nothing put a bit of laquer thinners on and if it gets rough and is partially dissolving then smooths out again it is laquer if it gets rough and stays rough its probably varnish.

 

[Udhi]

Superb! I will go find some of the spirit stuff and have a try.

I am a bit nervous about stripping the entire thing myself - if it came to that I have a choice - Leave it alone or wait until I have enough finances to get it done professionally.

Same time next week laydees and gentlemen!

 

[r896neo]

If the finish is shellac (french polish) or laquer you don't need to strip it but rather you rub on the appropriate spirit and the finish will temporarily turn to semi-liquid and then will reharden to an even coating with no cracks. You need to at least borrow or buy a retoring furniture book though before trying it as you don't want to ruin it.

That said this is the glory of old furniture that is well made, it can nearly always be fixed and restored, for a price however!

 

[Udhi]

OK, I only had a bit of pure acetone.

Applied it to to a not-so-inconspicuous area of the wardrobe and wooosh off the shiny bit came leaving what I think is bare wood underneath. I also dabbed on a bit of the same in another area and it didnt cause any wrinkles.

So we have a good coating of weak tea-coloured French Polish or Shellac.

I will have a look on youtube about Shellacking failing that, can I apply a high gloss wax of somekind to reduce the muckiness? Would it interfere with later attempts at getting it French Polished?

I am with the OP on his sentiments. I want properly made furniture in my house if I can. I dont care for flat packs or Chip board stuff hence this buy. It really helps to talk to be helped by you all in achieving it.

Thanks for all the help so far.

 

[r896neo]

That is not really conclusive as acetone will remove some varnishs, i.e. nail varnish remover?

You need to test it with methylated spirit to confirm its french polish.

As for putting anything on it i wouldn't as it will just have to be removed again. If your not planning on doing anything to it for a while I would only consider putting a thin coat of wax on as it will easiest to remove.