Pa's furniture

[jimmyjames]

Hi all,

Have been given 3 pieces of furniture made by my grandfather about 35 or 40 years ago. He was a cabinet maker and knew what he was doing- unlike his grandson.

Anyway they are structurally sound, carcasses with vaneer panels and important to me and mine. I'm told they have a milkwash over them. I don't really know what that it but it's had it's day and needs restoring. Can I sand or strip vaneer back to the original surface? If so what's the best clear finish to put on. I've not worked with laquer but everyone seems to like it and if I find out a little about it maybe I'll use it.

All information for this newbie would be welcome - ta.

[s_m]

Hi Jimmy,

I have no idea what milkwash is, but if I was you I would give stripper a try first. If the original finish has soaked into the grain of the timber, you may need to sand but BE CAREFUL sanding veneer!!

I have done lots of refinishing of 30-60yr old furniture and tend to use a wax finish with Danish Oil underneath. Finishes that go on wetter tend to be a lot more tricky to get silky smooth as they attract all sorts of muck (which my garage is full of) while they are drying.

Good luck!

Steph

[ozwinner]

People, you need to try this stuff, mostly shellac based, it dries in no time flat. Actualy I think its less than no time flat. But it is dead set easy, I mean, if I can do it, so can you.
And if you bugger up, you can remove it, and start again.

Cheers, Al the Bodge

PS forgot the link.
http://www.ubeaut.com.au/ubhome.htm

[s_m]

G'day Al,

If the product you recommended is shellac, is it not therefore susceptible to white rings from hot items and alcohol spills?

Steph

[ozwinner]

Not if you use this stuff, so I read.
HARDENED DEWAXED WHITE SHELLAC, Im not shouting I just cut and pastededed.
I dont know a awful lot about the ins and outs, youll have to ask the Sheik of Shellac, who will be lurking somwhere near by.

Spilling your alcohol, shame on you girl.........

Cheers, Allan

[Phil Jennings]

Hi Allan,
on the ubeaut website it recommends a first coat of ordinary shellac. Won't this be prone to white rings even if the hardened stuff is on top?

Thanks
Phil

[ozwinner]

I dont think moisture would get through the hardened shellac.
The first coat is mainly a timber sealer.

Youll have to ask "U" he's the master of splodge, or Shane Watson, I think he is also a guru on the subject.
I've got "U's" book on the subject, 'A Splodgers Handbook", but its best to ask.

The book is realy called "A Polishers Handbook".
Just send them a Private Message.

Im just a weekend splodger.

Cheers, Al the splodger.