Help needed

[Paulb6]

Hi Everyone,

I posted this under restoration, but no answers so will try the Gurus in the "Finishing" thread.


I have a cutlery cabinet, ?mahogany and think I've got to strip it right back. I have the "Polisher's handbook" but don't want to butcher the job.

This was a brand new present in 1972, seems to be solid timber. The finish is flaking off. It does not lift with gentle rubbing with meths. Much lighter colour where the orginal finish has flaked off.

Made by Walker and Hall Sheffield UK.

Is it stained then lacquered maybe, Ideas please??

[Woodwould]

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If the meths has no effect, then I'd try some stripper (meths/mineral turps clean-up variety) and when the finish is cleaned off, do a final clean off with meths and steel wool followed by a swipe with a clean cloth and meths.

[durwood]

Iff shellac it will dissolve with metho but it would be old and hard so you will have to do as Woodwould suggests. if you put a rag on the surface and wet it the metho will stay on the surface longer before it evaporates.

This could be finished in NItrocellulose lacquer if so it will dissolve easily by applying NC thinner. Over the years NC lacquer darkens especially if near strong sunlight.

Soak a rag in the thinner and wipe a small area at a time if it does dissolve, The thinner evaporates quickly so smalll areas at a time wipe away soft material while wet.. You should be able to clean the timber back to a good surface which will be easily redone with whaqtever you choise.

[Paulb6]

Ok I'll follow through with those 2 suggestions, had only dabbed at it with the meths

Thanks again