Cleaning a Mahogany Finish
Can anyone tell me the best way to clean and refresh an original (or very early) mahogany finish on golden oak? I have a lovely pier mirror to hang on the parlor floor which has cherry stain on all the woodwork so stripping to the oak is not an option. I don’t want to strip…
Can anyone tell me the best way to clean and refresh an original (or very early) mahogany finish on golden oak? I have a lovely pier mirror to hang on the parlor floor which has cherry stain on all the woodwork so stripping to the oak is not an option. I don’t want to strip just to refinish again.
Thanks
Thank you so much for your answer.
You need to try both a solvent base, and a water base cleaner. These should be cleaners that DO NOT soften or harm the finish, so it’s advisable to test a small spot first. For solvent cleaning, we use naptha, or mineral spirits; for water base Simple Green, Murphy’s or equivalent. Using both types of cleaner should insure you get everything off the finish surface. Once clean, you can spot color touch up, if needed, and then recoat with an appropriate topcoat; what usually works is a wiping varnish like Watco Danish Oil, or Minwax Antique Oil ( or Waterlox, if you can get it)
ps: do not use lacquer thinner or alcohol, because , depending on the existing finish, it can lift it right off.