Hi,
We just purchased a Drexel Heritage dining room table (ca. 1960). It has a walnut veneer that is in pretty good shape but we have kids and want to protect it as much as possible. The finish is very smooth and my best guess is that its lacquer. Is there any product out there that I could safely apply that would offer some more protection (other than a few good coats of wax)?
thanks in advance,
b
Replies
If you are talking about protection from spilled milk etc. A Coat of wax will not hurt the table and might give it a little added liquid beading ability and light surface scratch (like from a sliding bowl) protection.
If you are talking about protecting it from the Spoon Drummer Syndrome. Nothing short of a table pad will help. No finish will protect from impact dents and deep scratches.
Teach the children to respect furniture. Use tablepads, coasters and/or placements. Short of encasing it in plastic, there is no way to further protect it.
Formal dining tables aren't meant to be used "bare". They are for show when not being used, but for evening meals they call for table cloths. For casual dining placemats and coasters are required. No reason for kids to damage the good furniture. Sure they need places to get muddy and to run and jump and generally be kids, but dining room and parlor (formal living room) are not those places.
In the 60's furniture was finished with NC lacquer. If it still looks good now use a past wax to protect the finish. You should remove any oily polishes first. The wax protects the finish the finish protects the wood. Trying to top coat with a new "bullet proof" (no such thing) finish can be tricky. Just continue to use it until the finish has broken down or its appearance is not acceptable anymore. That's when you refinish with a "modern" finish.
Steve Nearman
Fredericksburg, VA
The Master's Touch
Furniture Restoration Service
Quality restorations and repairs for over 35
years!
(540) 371-5566
http://FurnitureRepair.net/
NO
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