Save our church $50,000

I sit on the Board of our church. We're in the middle of a planned renovation project. The building is 25 years old. The pews and all other interior woods (golden oak with poly) have never been refinished in these 25 years. In spite of the fact that the wood LOOKS fine, seems to have a warm, beautiful patina, we're being told by the driving force in this project that because nothing has been done to the wood in 25 years we need to completely refinish and re-poly all wood services. Otherwise, he warns, the wood will dry out and we'll be in big, big trouble.

I'm confused. I know that antiques hundreds of years old still retain beautiful finishes, and, indeed, LOSE their value if they are re-finished. I need some expert advice on whether we're being given accurate info when we're told we need to spend $50,000 on wood refinising NOW or we risk future catastrophe.

Advice anyone?

I think he is banking on you naivity - literally.

All finishes are porous. This means that over time, the moisture content of the wood will be more or less at equilibrium with the surrounding environment. If the humidity goes up - the moisture content of the wood will go up, although obviously this wont be an instant following.

If you have ever done high school chemistry, you'd know that water is known as the universal solvent. Gets into nearly everything given enough time. Even the fibreglass used in boat hulls actually absorbs water.

If they need touching up, then get a specialist to do this, but there is no need to refinish everything, the wood is already as dry as it is going to get. There are much better things that $50k could be used for...

I qouted several church's to do just this in the past and the money is probably accurate but comparing to what I qouted on its on the high side but I don't know what you have. What q9 said about the moisture is correct. It does sound like your being led up the garden path in that regard. I can't say I have walked into a church where the finish on the timber was in that bad a condition it HAD to be refinished. But lets face it if your in the middle of renovating and the money can be afforded to be spent it would help complete the project. And theres also alternatives to full re-finishing. Why I am sure Neil would love to supply enough polish revivor! ;)

Cheers!

The "driving fource" is either getting a kick back, very naive or has been watching too many lifestyle shows on the telly.

Try some of our Polish Reviver before you do anything. If you must you could also use some Traditional Wax over the top to give it a bit of a lift. Don't use beeswax or people will stick to the pews.

Hope this helps a bit.

Cheers - Neil https://www.ubeaut.biz/wave.gif
U-Beaut Polishes

Quote:

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Don't use beeswax or people will stick to the pews.

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...captive audience?

I have just finished doing an electronics install in a church where the timber interior has been refinished by a "Painter" with poly varnish.

the result looked ok if you are more than 5 metres from a wall but get close & its dreadfull.

If it is a "painter" quoting to do the job be very carefull they think clear finishing timber is just like painting.
Yea mate we'll stripp it right back & do it with a couple of coats of poly. (straight from the tin)

The local "mister timber" an retired teacher of man arts was most distressed.

I had to do a cut & shut on some cabinet doors for ventilation & ended up refinishing the doors because the "second coat" scratched of with my fingernail. no sanding between coats.

If the finish is healthy grab a bottle of neils finish reviver & do a spot trial.

please.

I suggest you pray for guidance.;)