Furniture restoration - Help!

[FullCircle]

Here is our 'new bedroom furniture. We have bought the set inc 2 large wardrobes etc etc. These are probably pre war, and although in generally good overall condition, the coating has cracked and needs reworking to bring it back to a nice condition.
I am hoping this wont be major surgery, but I wondered if you wizards of wood could throw some pearls of wisdom at us.
We need to identify the coating, not sure at the moment. How do we do that?
What is the best method for relieving the cracking in the coating, and filling it or strip back?
What do we recoat it with, and what are the methods/materials to use?

Is there a decent Internet source of info?

Who are the best suppliers for the materials?

Well, you know the sort of thing we are looking for.


Thanks very much for the help!

 

[monkey_trousers]

looks like 'utility' brand furniture, which if it is (there could be a stamp somewhere to the effect) is probably a mixture of white polish, shellac and elbow grease

only way to get rid of the all the crazing is to rub it down and re polish

 

[FullCircle]

You are probably not seeing what I am. It is deffo not utility. The workmanship and fits are really good qual.
Thanks for your input, but I am looking for real quality instructions on how to do this job (which will take months for all the bits in the set) and proper hints and tips on manufacturers of materials to use etc.
I have seen some articles on refilling the cracks without a full strip back, but I would like the benefit of the collective

Cheers

Jim

 

[Jobs_a_ good_ un]

Im a furniture dealer and I would suggest if you didnt want to remove the varnish
try a bit of antique brown briwax it wont remove the glazing and cracking but it will disguise it
Try to remove and clean the white stuff with some white spirit

otherwise if you want it perfect its strip and revarnish

the furniture is 1930s,40s and veneered walnut

 

[Spuddy]

I'd have said maple from the pic. First step is identifying the finish. Doubt that it's french polish but to test rub with meths somewhere inconspic - should soften. Got a ref somewhere about other tests - one involves scraping, the shavings indicate finish. Won't be able to check the shelves until next week. Nice bit of cabinet work Jim

 

[PCUK]

That must be one hell of a fancy vessel!!!

 

[dbewick]

Furniture of that age probably had a sprayed cellulose finish rather than "French polish" (shellac) applied by hand. The way to find out is to test it with solvent in an out of the way place. The first step is to get rid of any wax polish by wiping with white spirit. Shellac will then soften with meths, cellulose with thinners. Whatever works can be used to strip the coating. Once stripped you can re-finish with whatever you like: shellac, spirit or acrylic varnish, or re-spray if you have the kit and the skills.

It looks like birds eye maple to me and well worth preserving, but it will be a lot of work.

Good luck.

 

[FullCircle]

Many thanks for all the replies.
Are there any decent books out there for preparation and application tips?

 

[deborahann]

That will be lovely Jim when you have sorted it. We've got utility, sort of fits with the house, my Uncle was put in one of the drawers when he was a baby, as my Grandmother said no doctor is coming here again delivering children & no bed room furniture. No cot for the uncle either, hense he was put in the drawer.

Old furniture can be very lovely, new can be souless.

 

[dbewick]

If you want to read about the subject, you could try:

Discovering and Restorin Antique Furniture by Michael Bennett

Furniture Restoration and Repair for Beginners by Kevin Jan Bonner.

These are Ok but nothing really beats being shown how to do it. John Lloyd (http://www.johnlloydfinefurniture.co.uk/courses/ ) does good finishing courses.

 

[Captain Coochie]

Hi Jim ,
Just seen this via DB3 and my forum .
Heres a quote for you

[ QUOTE ]
The wood is definately birds eye maple.


This is what it is and cant believe a so called furniture dealer : said it was walnut, not even close

To get rid of the crazing, he will have to strip it ( using wire wool with the stripper ) but make sure that he does not put to much on at one time, as it might help lift the veneer.

He will that need to sand it all flat as the crazing is where the veneer has cracked a little or moves.

There is a good chance that it will not stay the same colour but will go more to its normal colour.

As for finishing
He can use anything from acrylic to French polish ( it can be brushed on, just need a good brush )

Hope it helps


[/ QUOTE ]