restoring woodwork

[Humblebee]

I am restoring a Sunspot 15 which has been neglected for some years. The woodwork is mahogany and in reasonable condition. I have scraped it and sanded it but it still has a grey look, not the rich warm colour it should have. Has anyone any suggestions for restoring the colour? There are no chandlers nearby, so something I can get from a DIY store would be best.
Thanks,
Humblebee

 

[tubs]

If you have stripped the timber completly then a mahogany stain should restore the colour followed by a few coats of varnish.

tubbs

 

[ccscott49]

You can use some oxalic acid solution, you normally have to order it from a chemist, not boots, they won't do it, try an old fashoined one. You mix a 10% solution, this will bring back the colour of the timber, make sure its very well flushed off, and dry before starting re-varnishing. It is obtainable form some chandlers, they call it teak brightemner or something similar, not teak cleaner. Thats if you get to a chandlers. If 10% has no effect, increase the solution, but no more than 25%. Wear rubber glovies and eye protection!

 

[Humblebee]

Thanks for that, I'll try and get some. If the weather holds the temptation to slap some varnish on may be irresistable though...I really need a rainy spell to keep me indoors if I am to restore the woodwork to pristine condition.
Appreciate your help,
Humblebee