From: weissborn@DFWVX1.DALLAS.SDS.SLB.COM
Subject: Re: Old Finishes/Refinishing
Reply-To: weissborn@dfwdsr.sinet.slb.com
Organization: Schlumberger Data Services - Dallas
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 93 22:54:49 GMT

In article <1993Jan5.213840.29179@informix.com>, davek@informix.com (David Kosenko) writes:
>Last night I fished a real nice mahogany veneer table out of someone's
>trash pile.  This beast has 5 leafs that go into it (11 ft fully
>extended).  The only problem is that the finish has come off of the two
>"base" leafs (the ones affixed to the base) and is in slightly sad
>shape on the two drop leafs.  It appears to be some sort of lightly
>tinted varnish.  It can be scraped off easily on the worst leafs (I can
>scrape it off with a fingernail).  The 5 removeable leafs are all in very
>good shape, and would really only ned a good polishing and cleaning. I'd
>guess that the piece dates back about 50 years.
>
>My question is: is anyone familiar with the type of finish used on such
>pieces back then?  The finish on the good leaves is very smooth, so I'm
>not sure that it would be shellac (the shellaced pieces I've seen have never
>been so smooth).  Since it is chipping off, I don't think it would be any sort
>of oil.  Would a clear or lightly tinted lacquer behave like this?  I'd
>like to refinish this piece and, if possible, recreate the old finish.
>Barring that, I suppose I'd have to refinish the whole thing, including
>the "good" leafs.  Would regular stripper be safe to use on this (it is
>a veneered piece)?  
>
Could be shellac.  Get some denatured alcohol and a Q-tip.  Moisten the
Q-tip and swab it over the finish.  If it is shellac, it will soften
and/or be removed.  If not is is probably laquer.  To test that, get
some lacquer thinner and moisten another Q-tip and swab over the finish.
If it softens or is removed it is lacquer (Isn't rocket science 
wonderful?).  If the finish doesn't budge under either treatment, it is
probably poly.

In either case, from your description, the piece(s) will have to be
stripped.  Any good stripper should do the job.  Don't worry about
the veneer as long as it is still well-glued, ie, no edges lifting,
no splits, etc.  If you are using a stripper that needs a water wash,
just don't soak the table in water--spray it on, and wipe it dry.

>Are there any good books out there on refinishing antiques that someone
>would like to recommend?  I've really only been involved with new
>finishes, so this one is kind of new for me.

You might want to look for "The Weekend Refinisher" by Brad Johnson
(I think).  Lots of good stuff for the beginner.

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Bill Weissborn                              
Schlumberger-GeoQuest Data Services
Data Services Region -- System Support Staff Engineer
4100 Spring Valley Rd. Suite 600            weissborn@dfwvx1.sinet.slb.com
Dallas, Tx.   75244                 or try: weissborn%dfwvx1@hub.sinet.slb.com
(214) 980-7924                      or    : dfwdsr::weissborn

"I got to play baseball...I got a chance to hit..."   Ted Williams
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Newsgroups: rec.woodworking