Replies

1. 
   CStanford_ | Sep 18, 2000 11:44pm | #1

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   Have an experienced appraiser or antique dealer date and value the piece for you first hand before you lay another glove on it. Ask their advice on how a complete refinishing job would affect the value of your specific piece of furniture.

1. 
   Gretchen_ | Sep 20, 2000 01:44pm | #2

   *It is possible your finish is shellac in which case the water from washing with Murphy's has clouded it perhaps. In an inconspicuous place dab it with denatured alcohol and see if the finish becomes sticky or gummy. If so, it is shellac. There is a product called Howard's Restor-a-Finish that you could try on the bottom. It is available sometimes in Home Depot or in antique malls or shops. It works wonders on pieces that don't really need refinishing but "sprucing up", especially on water marks. I think pieces from the late 1800's are quite nice and charming and not in danger of having their value hurt by refinishing. You've already done the top anyway. The Antiques Roadshow has heightened our awareness of this, but it is not this era that is going to be compromised, in my opinion.

1. 
   CStanford_ | Sep 20, 2000 07:08pm | #3

   *It could be a costly mistake to make the sweeping generalisation that Gretchen has made regarding the value of 19th century pieces. The next time you simply need to "clean" a piece (which usually entails the simple removal of old wax and grime), try mineral spirits (or Formby's Lemon Oil which is just scented mineral sprits) in an inconspicuous area first.Of course, the advice on cleaning is offered notwithstanding my previous post about ascertaining value/significance of the piece first. Murphy's oil soap is rarely used, as far as I know, in any processes involving refinish work on old furniture. Best to use it on your floors or mouldings.

1. 
   Drew_Nyman | Oct 26, 2000 10:58am | #4

   *C Stanford is right. Don't use anything that is waterbased on old furniture. once you have damaged the finish on an antique it is very difficult to restore it. If you're not sure what you're doing, consult a professional restorer. In the long run, you might save alot of money. Right now I'm working on an 18th century dutch marquetry cupboard that someone has sprayed tinted lacquer on top of the original finish to cover shoddy repair work. because someone saved a few bucks a few years ago I'll need to spend about 30+ hours to repair damage.