Forum
« Moonlighting Mr.Slim installer NYC License Req't for Contractor »
May 22, 2009
how to refinish a mahogany table
I just inherited a 70 year old mahogany table that needs to be refinished. Any recommendations for people to do this (or how I could do it myself?
Thanks.
Comments
The approach you take really depends on what condition it's in. If it's OK just mangy (ie. dirty, wax build up, white rings, scuffs etc) you could try Howard's Restor-A-Finish. Comes in a small can from the hardware store. Lots of different shades including mahogany. It's basically just a mix of stain, solvents and oil. I've found it does a great job and is easy to use. Why hire someone when you can do it yourself for $12.00 and an hour of your time?
Posted by: grand army at May 22, 2009 3:04 PM
not enuf info here. Why does it need to be refinished?
I would be dead set against any kind of goop in a can that incorporates a stain. 70 yo mahogany will have its own color and patina, do not stain it.
Assuming the finish is in bad shape and that it is some kind of varnish or shellac, I'd be looking to strip it off and refinish (not stain) with a clear sealer.
Posted by: denton at May 22, 2009 4:28 PM
I second the recommendation for Howard's Restor-A-Finish, although if the table is just dirty you might want to try Scott's Liquid Gold first. If neither of these do what you want, you can still strip the piece, but saving the original finish is often preferable AND easier.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at May 22, 2009 4:37 PM
Thanks all. The finish is 'crackle-y' (for lack of a better term). And when even a drop of water lands on it, the table turns white immediately.
So I guess I don't know if it needs to be refinished, I just want to protect it from my small children that spill.
HTH.
Posted by: kmacq at May 22, 2009 7:55 PM
Hmmm...turns white with water? Sounds like shellac, probably French polished. French polishing is somewhat tricky, not particularly durable, but absolutely beautiful when done well.
Try finding an inconspicuous spot and rubbing it with denatured alcohol. If the finish comes off or dissolves, it's shellac.
If you love the table, it's worth trying to find a professional refinisher, IMO. Sure, you can do a decent job at home (I'd suggest Waterlox over 3 coats of amber shellac), but a pro will really do it justice. Mahogany is a great wood.
Posted by: Bolder at May 22, 2009 8:47 PM
Ok the table mostlikely has an industrial finish which was sprayed on with a high power hose. These a b**** to refinish. But it is do able. Get a stripper that is hopefully non toxic and then sand it. Its generally a bad idea that to do that with antiques but those finishes a bitch
Posted by: meme at May 23, 2009 11:18 AM
I have 35 year old Lane end tables and a huge 3 x 5 foot coffee table, very heavy tables, with dark wood staine and I need to restore a dull finish and a chunck of wood missing on one corner from a teething puppy.
Posted by: Ingrid at May 24, 2009 12:51 PM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.