Finishing tips

Furniture finishing Finishing tips

Tip #1

Waxy build-up

When most people think they have a wax build up, most likely the culprit is a
softened finish. Oil from your skin, food oils, and some detergents can break
down a finish making it sticky, which in turn collects dirt and grime. If the problem
lies on an area that is frequently touched. To clean it, try using mineral spirits or
naphtha as your cleaning agent. Using a soft rag or #0000 steel wool, this is
good for getting rid of a waxy build up. A word of caution though, if your finish
has softened all the way through to the wood, this process could leave you with
bare wood. If your finish has gotten that bad to start with, there isn't anything else
you can do to reverse it other than stripping and refinishing anyway.

Tip #2

Hiding Light Scratches

One of the best way's I have found is using a padding lacquer. It really works well
on household woodwork as well as furniture when you get a light colored scratch
in the finish. You will need a soft cloth. Fold the corners until you can make a
tight ball out of the center. Apply the padding lacquer to the pad and tap it into
the palm of your hand. (Gloves come in handy here). This will spread it through
the pad. Lightly pad in the direction of the grain like it is an airplane coming in for
a landing then taking off again. Don't over pad or come to a stopped landing. Let
it dry for a couple minute's and reapply if needed until the scratch is melted back
in. Usually one swipe is all it takes. This will leave a high gloss finish if you keep
padding, so you may have to pad the whole surface to make it all look the same.

Another way of removing light scratches is rubbing the out with polishing
compounds. These are best used on high gloss sheens.

If your table has a satin or dull sheen, grab a pad of OOOO Steel wool and
some lemon oil or wool lube . Put some on the pad and rub the spot moving in
the direction of the grain. This only works on minor scratches, and you may need
to rub the rest of the surface so the sheen is even. Make sure you go with the
grain in long even strokes from one end to the other. To finish the task, simply
wipe off the remaining oil and apply your favorite polish.

If you need to add color to the scratch, Touch up markers and fill sticks come in
real handy.

zaini@selectvest.com Wisdom Management Services (M) Sdn. Bhd. 1


Tip #3

Painting over an existing finish

To paint over an existing finish, there are a few things to consider. One is the
overall condition of the original finish. Most factory finishes are done in lacquer
and older finishes tend to lose their plasticity and get hairline cracks running
through it. If this has happened to your piece or you have bare or worn spots, it
may be worthwhile to go ahead and strip the old finish off. Otherwise the cracks
will show up in the finished project.
If your finish looks sound, Where you need to start is by removing all the
hardware. Any parts that also come off, may make the job easier.
Grab some naphtha or mineral spirits and some clean cloth rags, and wipe the
whole piece down once or twice. This will remove any furniture polish or body oils
that may still be present. If there is any organic matter left on it, you may have to
use a damp rag to remove it before moving on to the next step.
In order to provide the new finish tooth to adhere to, you will need to do some
sanding with 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper. sand it until you have removed all
traces of the original sheen. To get into some nooks and crevasses, a general
purpose Maroon scotch-brite pad works well. Once you are done with the
sanding, give it a good blowing off with compressed air (Wear your particle mask)
or vacuum up the dust followed with a damp rag.
With all the prep work done, give it a final wipe down with naphtha and let it dry
for at least 30 minutes prior to applying your first coat of paint. Make sure you
doing it in a dry dust free environment if you can. A tack rag is a very
important finishing tool. Oil based finishes are going to be the most compatible to
the lacquer, and hold up the best. They do require a paint thinner for cleanup
instead of water. Make sure you follow the instructions on the can.

Tip #4

White spots from water.

This is the question I get asked the most. How do I remove the white rings and
spots on my furniture. Given enough time, water can cause as much damage to
wood as can fire. The first step in removing a fresh white spot or ring is simply to
do nothing except remove the source of the moisture and any remaining on the
woods surface. Then wait.

(Do not apply any furniture polish)

What the white ring consists of is water vapor trapped on the surface of the
finish. In some instances, fresh white rings will disappear if given the time to be



absorbed by dry air. High humidity will slow this process. A hair dryer will speed
up the process, but set it on low and use discretion. Do not, however, presume
that if a little heat is good, more heat is better-and reach for the heat gun. The
white ring may disappear, but only because you melted the finish around it .

If the white ring refuses to leave on it's own, then you must try the following three
suggestions.

the direction of the grain. Once the spot is gone, you may need to rub the rest of
the table top so the sheen is even. Make sure you go with the grain in long even
strokes from one end to the other. To finish the task, simply wipe off the
remaining oil and apply your favorite polish.

If you have a glossy sheen, You may try using a little bit of white tooth paste on a
dry cotton towel. If this leaves a glossier spot than the rest of the table, then you
will need to get some rubbing compounds and polishes like you would use on a
car's finish. If a mirror finish is not what you want, you can always adjust it down
with the OOOO steel wool. Don't forget to use your favorite polish when your
done.

Another simple remedy that sometimes works, is to spread some Vaseline on
the damage and wipe it off after the spot is gone.

If none of these has worked, then the moisture has penetrated through the finish
and is not repairable without refinishing.

Tip #5

Do it yourself Don'ts

If you are trying to repair furniture yourself, do not use any nails, screws, air nail
guns, duct tape, twine, metal brackets, coat hangers or other creative fasteners.
It just makes things harder for us professionals when you do finally bring in it. Do
not use any glue other than yellow or white Carpenters Glue or Hide Glue.

Tip #6

Humidity thoughts

Be aware of humidity when doing your own finish work. High humidity in the air
will keep finish from drying or will make it "blush" (turn white and dull). If you are



having a professional do your finish work, please allow several extra days for
your piece to dry completely before using it.

Tip #7

Is it really solid wood?

Be cautious when buying furniture. Just because someone says it is "solid wood"
doesn't mean it is good. Particle board and MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
are still "wood" but they aren't what you think. They are very hard to repair and
much heavier than "real" wood. They will NOT last if under heavy use. Always
ask, "Solid what wood?" Furniture marked Solid Oak or Cherry or Ash is a better
bet.

Tip #8

Potpourri Kills

Believe it or not, potpourri (just about any kind) will eat the finish off of furniture
even if it's still in a plastic bag! Don't ever put it directly on any finished piece,
even if in a cloth or plastic bag.

Tip #9

Buying chairs

When buying chairs, turn them over and look for any indication of screws or nails.
If you see them, it means that the manufacturer did not trust the joints to stay
together on their own. It might also mean that significant modifications have been
made to the chair in the past that may cause future problems. A professional
restoration/repair shop should NEVER add screws or nails where

none were present before.

Tip #10

Removing color
Stripping furniture does not necessarily remove the color from the wood. It may
not be possible to lighten the piece to the desired color if it is stained dark. As a
general rule, you can always go darker, but you can't always lighten it later. Just
to be safe, before staining a light wood, make sure that you are comfortable with
it being dark forever. if your furniture has been stained with an aniline dye, you



can use some Stain-away to bleach it out. Make sure you do it out doors with a
respirator.

Tip #11

Plasticizer migration

Do not keep anything made of plastic or vinyl in contact of the finish which
includes table cloths and place mats. The Plasticizer will leach out and
permanently soften the finish.

Tip #12

Squeaky bed frames

If you have metal bed frames and they squeak, simply apply some oil to the
rivets to quiet them down. If your bed is made of wood and it squeaks, it most
likely is getting loose and needs to be re-glued.

Tip #13

Sticky drawers

Any time you have wood moving against wood, you will need something to keep
the parts lubricated. If you have drawers that like to stick, try rubbing some clear
Briwax or any other brand of paste wax on both the drawer and the wood it rides
upon. It is sometimes shocking what a difference it can make. If it doesn't help,
most likely the drawer will need some repair or is worn down.

Tip #14

Removing dark stains from wood

To remove darks rings, stains or gray oxidation, you will need to use some oxalic
acid crystals . It is the main ingredient in the so called deck brighteners. To use
them, you have to mix them with warm water until you reach a saturated solution
meaning it won't dissolve anymore. Only mix the amount you need. You will need
to apply it with a synthetic brush giving the entire surface a good wet coat (not
just the stain) . The wood will need to be bare and lightly sanded prior to this
step. Make sure you apply it to the whole surface and not just the spot. Leave the



acid on until it dries or until the stain has vanished. Follow that with a couple
washes of water to removed the residue. The grain will be raised after it dries, so
you will need to sand it smooth before finishing. Make sure you use a particle
mask when sanding because what crystals are left over will make you sneeze if
you inhale them. Do it outdoors if possible.

Tip #15

Removing nail polish from a finish

This can be a tricky one even for a professional. The only thing you can try is
some 600 grit wet or dry sandpaper and a hard flat sanding block. Make sure you
hold the block level while sanding the glue down flush. You will get into the
surrounding finish, so try to keep it to a minimum. If the polish is pretty thick, you
might mask around the spot to protect the area around it.

Once you get it sanded level, you will need to finish sanding the spot with 1200
grit paper.

To get the shine back on a high gloss finish, it will take some rubbing compounds
and polishes on a cotton rag and some elbow grease Make sure you polish the
entire surface so it all looks the same. Apply your favorite polish to finish it up.


Tip #16

Removing that musty odor

To begin the process of removing a musty odor from the inside of your furniture,
you will need to have a spray bottle of denatured alcohol or other anti microbial
spray. Open the cabinet and take out all of the drawers and spray the entire
inside of the piece. This will kill any mold spores that may be lurking.

Let it dry opened up in a sunny place for a good week. If this hasn't done the job,
you will need to go to the next step of sealing the raw wood with any type of
finish which will seal in the odor. You could also purchase a small electric ozone
generator to eat up the odor causing molecules.



A new approach might be using one of the new products for removing odors from
fabrics like Fabreeze. Although I would still suggest killing the mold spores first. I
have had a customer who had success with putting an open can of ground coffee
inside to absorb the odor.

Tip #17

Handling and Moving Furniture

In addition to using furniture wisely, it is important to handle it carefully. Safe
handling and moving of furniture begin with a basic understanding of how a piece
is constructed. The second step is to plan carefully.

General Concerns

Before picking up a piece of furniture, determine how it is put together and if any
of its parts are removable or detachable. Make sure you know where the furniture
is its strongest - generally along a major horizontal element - and try to carry it
from these points.

Then examine the room and the route whereby the furniture is to be moved. Look
around to make sure you know where everything is. Identify potential trouble.
Light fixtures that hang low, for examples, or that extend out from the wall may
be damaged or cause damage. Glass table tops are also easily damaged if
bumped. If necessary, clear the way by moving or removing fragile or obstructive
items. Protect the furniture to be moved with soft padding or wrap it in a blanket
pad. Padding, which will provide extra insurance against bumping and gouging,
is especially important if an item is going into storage.

Before moving an item, make sure you know exactly where it goes next. Plan
ahead to adjust the temperature and relative humidity in the new location so they
are the same as where the furniture presently is. Extreme changes in
temperature and humidity can cause splitting of joints and veneers.

Never hurry when you are moving furniture. Scratches, dents, and gouges from
bumps against hand truck, doorways, and other furniture are always more likely
in haste. Each item needs to be approached individually, without haste, and with
sufficient manpower present.

Make sure you have a firm grip on the piece with both hands. Do not wear cotton
gloves. It is essential that hands not slip from a piece of furniture while it is being
moved.

Never slide or drag furniture along the floor. The vibration can loosen or break
joints, chip feet, break legs, etc., to say nothing of what dragging does to the



carpeting or finish on the floor. Whenever possible, use trolleys or dollies for
transporting heavy pieces.

Handling valuable furnishings requires a special attitude: in general, movement
should be carried out at a slower pace. Here are some quick tips for moving
furniture properly. Remember: If you don't break it, it doesn't have to be fixed!

Just as gymnasts work with "spotters" to catch them when they misstep, have
helpers on hand to guide the movers so they don't crash into walls or other
pieces of furniture
Anticipate trouble; think through every step; plan ahead; and do everything with
care
Make sure the route is clear and has no obstructions, such as narrow
doorways or hanging chandeliers that might hinder the safe passage of
furniture and movers

The following sections offer suggestions for moving specific types of furniture.

Seating Furniture

When lifting a chair, remember that the seat rail is its strongest part, not the chair
back. Frequently lifting by the back, especially the crest rail, will eventually result
in breakage. For small chairs, lift by the side seat rails, one hand near the front
on one side, the other near the rear on the other side.

When lifting a large chair or sofa, the principles are the same. Grab underneath
the side frame, making sure to lift with your legs rather than your back. For
upholstered chairs or sofas, place your hands underneath the frame to avoid
touching the upholstery. If upholstery must be touched, use cotton gloves. For
chairs with slip seats, remove the slip seat and wrap and move it separately to
prevent its being soiled or falling out during the move.

Tables

The strongest part of a table is generally the apron. Whenever possible, lift the
table carefully from the apron, never by the top or legs. Lifting on the top rather
than the apron may break the glue-blocks that hold the top to the frame or strip
out the screws that hold the top on. Grabbing the legs, particularly tables with
long, unsupported legs, will cause unnecessary stress on the leg and the joint
connecting it to the apron. Whenever possible, wrap padding around a table's
legs before moving it to prevent chipping or breakage during the move.

If you are moving a drop-leaf table, first determine which support members move.
Is the table leaf supported by a bracket or by a swing-leg? Fold the leaves down,
and restrain them with padding and a tie band. If the support is provided by a
swing-leg or gate-leg, tie it in place as well. The only safe place to grab a drop-



leaf table is underneath the end aprons. Grabbing by the legs, especially swing-
legs, will increase the chance of damage to them, and grabbing the table by the
side leaves will often result in fracturing the long rule joint that allows the leaves
to drop.

Case Furniture

While case pieces, especially large ones, may appear very different from tables
and chairs, the same rules apply. Never try to move a large piece by yourself. A
case piece requires at least two people. While a case piece requires can be
moved by carrying it carefully, holding on to the bottom as you would a table or
chair, it is better to move the piece on a dolly. A dolly makes the move safer for
both the movers and the object, and that is all the more true for large objects.

First, examine the piece. How was is put together? And how can it come apart?
Take the piece apart as much as is possible. That is, remove the top piece of a
cabinet from its base; remove the cornice or pediment, if there is one.

If the carcass is sturdy enough, remove an drawers to lighten the load and make
the move easier. Carry the drawers separately to the destination. However, if the
carcass is weak and shifts from side-to-side, leave the drawers in place to
provide stability and prevent further damage to the joints. Tall pieces that do not
come apart into separate sections need to be set on their sides on a dolly to
prevent their topping over.

If the piece has handles, wrap them with padding. Padding protects the handles,
the furniture surface (if the handles have swinging bales or drops), the movers,
and the surroundings in case you bump up against anything.

Never grab a heavy piece like a chest of drawers or bookcase by the cornice at
the top. The attachment of the top to the base may be loosened and pull apart
from the rest of the piece.

Lift the piece straight up, using your legs, not your back. Don't let it tilt, and do not
grab it by its hardware or any other protrusions.

Large Clocks

The moving project becomes increasingly difficult with objects that are large and
complex. Objects that come apart into many pieces or are unwieldy require extra
care and preparation. Because of their many parts grandfather and grandmother
clocks are very difficult to move.

Always remove the pendulum and weights from within the clock before doing
anything else. These pieces are heavy and will damage the clock case if they
smash into the side of the case. They may also cause damage to the mechanism



itself. Wear cotton gloves when you remove the pendulum and weights, to avoid
corroding the metal pieces from skin contact.

Remove the hood from the top of the clock (they often slide forward), and lay it
down to pack and move separately. Make sure the door to the case is locked or
securely closed before moving the clock. Use bare hands, not gloves, for moving
and packing the carcass of the case. For short moves, like those of only a few
feet, it is permissible to lift by grabbing the narrow case from the underside of the
molding at the top of the waist, or center portion of the case, provided that the
molding is firmly attached to the case itself. For longer moves, or if that molding
is not secure, the clock case should be carried flat like a coffin.

Tip #18

Furniture Maintenance

The guidelines for furniture maintenance are pretty simple. If the furniture is used
wisely and handled carefully, it will need very little in the way of routine
maintenance. But in cleaning and polishing furniture surfaces and hardware, and
in re-upholstering, some well-intentioned caretakers introduce damage. In fact, a
lot of what furniture conservators do is respond to destructive maintenance
practices.

Cleaning Surfaces

For the most part, maintaining furniture simply means keeping it clean, carefully.
Wood furniture usually needs to be cleaned only when there is a buildup of wax
or dirt. Only unfinished wood, painted wood, or wood with a sturdy finish should
be cleaned. The finish on giltwood is often applied with a water-soluble size, or
adhesive; it should be carefully dusted, not cleaned, or cleaned only by a
professional.

Before cleaning wood or coatings, the first and most important step is to evaluate
the surface and make sure that the surface or coating is stable and not apt to be
damaged by the contact required in cleaning and polishing. If the surface is
unstable, the polishing could knock off loose portions. Damaged surfaces should
be referred to a conservator.

After the soundness of the surface has been established, the next step is to find
out what the dirt is and what the surface is. If you can't determine these exactly,
find out what removes the dirt without affecting the surface underneath it. Often,
dust can be removed with the careful wipe of a damp cloth. Oily dirt or waxy
residue can be removed with a mild detergent and water solution or with mineral
spirits. However, it is vital to make sure that the cleaning solution does not affect



the underlying surface. Even when you determine a cleaning method that works
successfully, proceed cautiously.

Loose dust on the surface can be removed with a soft, lint-free cloth, gently
rubbed over the surface. Dust is an abrasive and can scratch the surface, so be
careful. Uneven areas can be dusted with a clean, natural bristle paint or artist's
brush. Again, do not try to dust a surface that is severely deteriorated. Cloth
fibers can catch and tear away pieces of the finish, veneer or loose parts. Even
rough edges can splinter. Carving, fretwork, and other delicate work can be
dusted with a soft bristle brush, with a vacuum cleaner host held close enough to
take in the dust one it is dislodged by the brush. Do not use feather dusters, as
they can scratch and pull off loose fragments of veneer.

Surfaces in good condition but with a heavy accumulation of dust can be cleaned
very carefully with a vacuum cleaner. Use the lowest suction available and the
round brush attachment. Don't let the metal or hard plastic parts of the vacuum
bump into the surfaces; they can scratch the finish or wood. Much damage, in
fact, occurs as the feet and bases of pieces are hit with the vacuum cleaner.

Dirt that cannot be simply vacuumed off may be removed with cleaners mixed in
a dilute solution, but only if the finish is in good solid condition. First, determine
which solvent removes the dirt without removing the finish. Those to be tested
include mineral spirits (white spirit), paint thinner, and naphtha. Second, test a
small spot in an obscure area with the solution on a cotton swab. All areas that
appear to be a different coating or material must be tested separately. Only if the
solution does not damage the test area should it be used to clean the rest of the
piece.

For finished wood, dampen a cotton cloth with the solvent or cleaning solution,
and gently rub over a small area at a time. Avoid using too much liquid, as they
can cause damage. Then, wipe the cleaned surface with a clean dampened cloth
to remove any cleanser residues, followed by a dry soft cloth.

Following simple cleaning, further protection and aesthetic enhancement can be
obtained through the application of a stable, hard furniture polish, such as a hard
paste wax. The hard wax surface can be dusted more easily because it will be
more smooth, and the dust will not be imbedded in it as it would in an unwaxed
surface. Waxing need only occur infrequently because the wax itself is not readily
removed and it does not degrade chemically. Waxing too often can result in a
built-up, clouded surface.

This simple approach avoids the problems created by popular methods of
"furniture polishing" - such as sprays and oily polishes - that may result in
cumulative damage to furniture. Many polishes and residues continue to be a
vexing problem for furniture conservators, as they can build up over time and
with numerous applications, trapping and adhering airborne dirt onto the surface.



For a more in-depth discussion of furniture polishes, refer to the appendix at the
end of this text.

Cleaning Upholstery

Dusting upholstery can be accomplished by a vacuum cleaner. Place a soft
screen on the surface to prevent any snagging or abrasion from the vacuum tip,
and using a brush attachment, carefully vacuum the surface.

Stains and other damage to upholstery should be referred to an upholstery or
textile conservator for further treatment.

Metal Hardware

One never-ending concern of furniture caretakers is for the hardware, including
handles, brackets, hinges and escutcheons attached, usually with nails, to the
outer surface of a piece. The metal in hardware might be brass, silver, gold-
plated bronze, depending upon the style, date and country of origin.
Contemporary hardware attachments sometimes have a clear lacquer finish that
gives them a shiny appearance. Antique hardware is also sometimes coated by
restorers and conservators to eliminate the need for constant polishing. There is
currently a lot of debate in the conservation field as to whether metal hardware
should be lacquered or polished. Neither is an option is there is evidence of an
original varnish or if abrasive polishing would remove some other original surface
treatment.

Furniture hardware may become dirty and tarnished with use and exposure to
the atmosphere. In such cases, polishing it can be justified. However, even this
step is sometimes a poorly informed one. One common example of the damage
is created by polishing hardware supposed to be brass, when it is really gilded
bronze that is simply dirty. Polishing removes the gold, damaging the surface of a
beautiful sculptural element.

If you choose to polish, remove the hardware from the piece, noting the exact
location of each screw and nut. Polishing the hardware while on the piece
damages the surrounding finish and also allows polishes to run beneath the
hardware that can further damage both the metal hardware and the finish.

Clean hardware carefully with a 50/50 mix of acetone and alcohol to remove any
dirt and oil residue, scrubbing the piece with a soft bristle brush. After drying, the
surface can be polished with a fine, lint-free cloth of felt block charged with a very
fine abrasive, such as calcium carbonate or jeweler's micro polish, in an alcohol
or mineral spirits slurry. Commercial polishes can contribute to the deterioration
of the hardware, as they frequently contain harsh cleaners that corrode the
metal.



If the hardware cannot be removed safely from the furniture it can be polished
and coated on the object provided the following precautions are scrupulously
followed. First, the surface of the wood and varnish must be completely
protected. Acetate sheets, such as those found in office supply stores, can be
notched and slid under the hardware from both sides to form an overlapping
barrier. Without this precaution, attempts to polish the hardware will likely end in
disaster.

Since this hardware cannot be doused with the acetone and alcohol mixture,
cleaning must be done by dipping swabs in the solution, then rubbing the metal
surface with the swab. Polishing must also be done more carefully, perhaps on a
smaller scale.

After polishing, remove all residues. The surface of the hardware that has been
removed from the furniture can be easily coated with a transparent resin before
the hardware is replaced on the piece. Particular care must be used in applying
any coating when the hardware cannot be removed, to make sure that no
protective varnish for the hardware gets on the furniture piece itself.

Tip #19

Furniture Polishes

There are several factors to weigh when deciding to use polishes and waxes on
furniture and other wooden objects. One critical factor is that the ingredients in
commercial polishes and cleaning products are rarely disclosed. Moreover, these
ingredients can be, and frequently are, changed without warning or notification.
These ingredients may be harmless or harmful to the furniture (and to you) and
you have no way of knowing in advance.

Polishing products are available in three forms: aerosol (spray); liquid; and
semisolid. Here is a quick look at their benefits and drawbacks.

Aerosols (Spray Polishes)

Aerosols are convenient. However, they have been among the worst offenders in
introducing silicone oils and other contaminants onto furniture. In addition, they
may contain solvents that attack varnishes and lacquers. While some of the
"dusting" aerosols appear to be benign when applied to a cloth and not the piece
of furniture, the result is similar to using a damp, clean dust cloth.

Liquids



Like aerosols, liquid polishes are easy to use. There are two primary forms of
commercial liquid products for "furniture care": emulsion cleaner or polishes and
"oil type" polishes. Emulsion polishes are waxes, oils, detergents, organic
solvents, and other materials suspended in water for ease of application. These
products can be extremely powerful cleaners that leave a desirable sheen on the
surface. However, the visual effect usually diminishes as the liquid dries.
Moreover, like aerosols, emulsion polishes can introduce contaminants onto the
furniture, but because they are liquids they place much more volume than sprays
on the furniture surface.

Oil polishes are even more troublesome. Much like emulsion polishes, oil
polishes can be a complex blend of ingredients including oils, waxes, perfumes,
colorants, "cleaners," and organic solvents. They can render extremely pleasing
surfaces and are used frequently as final finishes by themselves. However, oils
used as polishes or cleaners can be very damaging.

Nondrying oils (paraffin, mineral, and "lemon oil," which is usually mineral oil with
colorants and perfumes added) tend to be more benign than drying oils, but even
so some oil remains as a liquid on (or in) the object. Dust and other airborne
contaminants readily stick to wet surfaces, especially oils. But nondrying oils
don't undergo chemical reactions or directly damage the furniture.

Drying oils, on the other hand, such as linseed, tung, or walnut oil, are a different
matter altogether. These materials solidify, or "dry" through a chemical reaction
with the air called oxidation. Over time this reaction makes them increasingly
difficult to remove. Their permanence is fine if the oil is employed as the finish,
but not good if it is used as a maintenance polish. By itself, having a polish that is
difficult to remove would be an irritating but not an insurmountable problem.
Unfortunately, as drying oils age they tend to yellow and in the presence of acids
they are chromogenic (become Colored), turning a dark, muddy brown or opaque
black.

Traditionally, cleaning and polishing concoctions comprised of linseed oil,
turpentine, beeswax, and vinegar (acetic acid) were widely used even in the
museum field until recently. They turned out to be a disaster waiting to happen.
The results of their use are readily apparent to even the casual observer: a thick
incrustation of chocolate-colored goo that is neither hard enough to be durable
nor soft enough to wipe off easily. The furniture is left with an unsightly coating
that is very difficult to remove without damaging the underlying surface.

Semisolids

By virtually any measure semisolid polishes are the least damaging to wooden
objects. Frequently called "paste waxes," these products are actually a very
concentrated solution of waxes. Provided the ingredients do not include
undesirable contaminants like silicone or high concentrations of damaging



organic solvents such as alcohol, xylene, or toluene, paste waxes are an
excellent polish for the surfaces of most wooden objets. Because waxes are
exceedingly stable and don't cause many of the problems inherent in the
previously mentioned polishes, they are the material of choice for furniture
conservators and other caretakers of furniture and wooden objects. But paste
waxes have their faults too: unfortunately, they require the most active contact
with the surface of the furniture, and also need the most physical labor for proper
application. Buffing out a wax polish can be very hard work, and in general, the
better quality the wax, the harder the buffing that is needed. However, the results
and benefits to the furniture are worth the extra effort.

Fortunately, as the most durable and stable polishing material, paste wax needs
to be applied much less often than aerosols or liquids. Ideally, wax polishing
should be conducted no more than twice a year for areas of extremely heavy
wear (desktops, chair arms, etc.) and once every three or four years for table and
chair legs, cabinets, and similar areas.

If a surface can no longer be buffed to the sheen appropriate for a waxed
surface, it is likely that the wax has worn off. In that case, apply another light coat
of wax to the affected area in accordance with the product instructions. Wax that
is applied too frequently or improperly can build-up and cause an unsightly
surface. When the wax is used correctly, however, the solvent content of the new
wax will "clean off" any previous wax remaining on the surface and will simply
integrate the old into the new.

Tip #20

Is it oil Based or latex/acrylic paint

To

determine what type of paint is on your furniture, brush some stripper on an
inconspicuous spot and see what happens. If it is oil based, the paint will wrinkle
and bubble. If it just softens up into a slimy goo, it is latex or acrylic. Oil based
paint is the easiest to remove.

Tip #21

Purchasing a New Mattress

When shopping for a mattress wear shoes you can get in and out of easily.
Test the mattress by laying full-length out on the bed. Try it out like you're
going to use it, and spend some time on it to see how it really feels. If you feel
silly, just think how silly you're going to feel when you don't sleep comfortably



after spending all that money!
Note the gauge of the wire as well as the coil count. The smaller the #, the
heavier the wire is.
Always buy box springs at the same time. They are made to be a set.
Use a heavy-duty bed frame with good center support.
Stick with a name brand.
Don't assume that a higher price means a better mattress.
Stay away from department stores - they're always higher and sometimes the
name-brand companies make mattresses to fit the store's specifications. You
might not be getting the mattress you think you are. Look for a mattress
warehouse or factory.
Remember that all "pillow top" mattresses will get body impressions (except
latex toppers.)
Make sure your mattress has a non pro rata warranty of 10 years.
Shop around, compare delivery prices, and find out if the company will remove
your old mattress for you.
Buy a mattress with a minimum of 312 coils (fine for children), with 540 being
the absolute best. Full-size should have at least 300, queen-size at least 375
and king-size at least 450.
Check factory specifications closely.
For the bed to be right, it should yield enough for you to sink slightly, but not
too much, into the bed. LIE DOWN on the mattress, preferably with your
sleeping partner, before you buy. You're not going to be bouncing up and down
on the edge of the mattress with you get home!
For a dry bed, choose a mattress with comfort layers made of latex and
insulating pat made of coconut fiber. Stay away from wool because wool can
grow mold when damp that could trigger asthma problems.
A mattress should be an innerspring at least nine inches thick. Don't buy
budget when you're buying a mattress. A good mattress will last you 10 to 15
years and will end up costing only pennies a night even at the high-end prices.
Shop smart, but don't scrimp.

Mattress Terms

Foundation - absorbs the shock of daily wear and provides support and
durability.
Core - provides support for the body and can be spring, air, foam or water.
Upholstery - Adds comfort and cushioning.
Coil Count - the number of coils in the mattress. High coil count gives better
contouring while lower coil count if firmer.
Contour - how the mattress coils conform to the body for comfort.
Box Spring - supports and cushions the mattress.
Innerspring - the inner support of the mattress composed of hundreds of wire
coils held together by wire or cloth.
Wire gauge - thickness of the wire coils. The thicker the wire, the less flexible
the coils.



Comfort level - can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer with Plush being
soft and fluffy, Firm being standard cushioning and Pillowtop being a mattress
with extra layers of cushioning.
Non pro-rated warranty - a manufacturer's warranty against defects.
Pro-rated warranty - offers less coverage based on the number of years in the
warranty.

Tip #22

About Leather Furniture

It used to be that only the upper crust could afford to own real leather furniture;
the rest of us had to make do with synthetic substitutes. But in recent years,
prices have started to come down as leather has become more popular.
Manufacturers are offering a greater choice in styles, making it possible to find
leather to suit almost every taste and budget. Before you invest in this practical,
versatile furniture, saddle up with some savvy buying tips.

grade

Grade is the most important feature of leather's quality--and an indicator of
durability and price. Manufacturers and showrooms use similar vocabulary to
describe grade, which makes the buyer's job easier. Top grain indicates leather
taken from the desirable outer surface of the hide. Leathers taken from the lower
surfaces are split grains, and are much weaker. All but the least expensive
furniture should be made from top grains.

Top-grain leathers are graded based on the ways manufacturers prepare the
leather.

Aniline (or "pure" or "full" aniline) leather is soaked in aniline dye, but does not
have other finishes or pigments applied. Only the best hides are used for this
superbly soft leather. Semi-aniline (or "protected" aniline) leathers have a small
amount of coating or pigment, giving them slightly better protection against stains
and fading. Pigmented leathers are fully treated with surface color. Made from
lesser-grade hides, they are stiffer than anilines, but also more stain- and scuff-
resistant, and more affordable.

finish

Leathers are graded by how much manufacturers have to do to get them ready
for market. Nearly perfect, mark-free hides are rare and, therefore, highly prized.
Most anilines will have visible markings, such as wrinkles and scars, that



contribute to their natural beauty. Like a well-worn wallet or bomber jacket, they
develop a lustrous patina with age and use.

Keep in mind that added finishes and surface pigments aren't necessarily bad. In
fact, if you prefer more consistent color in your furniture, untreated anilines may
not be for you. Finishes and pigments also provide greater protection from
scratches, stains, and sun fading. The "best" leather, in other words, is by no
means always the best choice for your family or situation.

texture

The texture of leather furniture, like its appearance, is partly a function of its
grade. The highest quality hides become the softest and most supple leathers.
(In industry-speak, they have a more luxurious "hand," or feel.) Pigmented
leathers and "corrected grain" leathers (those that have been buffed to remove
obvious surface imperfections) have a stiffer hand. Beyond these differences, the
following texturing techniques can give leather its distinctive appearance and
feel:

Nubuck leathers are lightly brushed or abraded, resulting in a short nap with a
plush softness. Nubucks are top-grain leathers, so they last longer than do their
cousins, suedes. Nubucks also have the advantage of being treated with a
protectant that makes them more stain-resistant than other anilines. Suedes
approximate the look and feel of nubucks but are made from less-durable split
grains.

Sauvage is a two-toned effect that lends depth to leather, producing a marbled or
creased appearance.

Pull-up leathers are full anilines that have an oil or wax application. When the
leather is pulled, or stretched, the oil or wax separates, producing a lighter burst
of color. The pull-up technique is used for distressed or weathered looks.

Embossed leathers are corrected grains that have a new pattern or grain
imprinted on them with high heat or pressure, resulting in anything from alligator
to floral effects.

cost

Grade will largely determine how much you pay for leather furniture. A sofa made
from top-grain leather will range from $700 (a good sale on corrected-grain,
pigmented leather) to $6,000 or more for designer names and pure aniline
leather.

Leather may take slightly more care and upkeep than fabric upholstery. But in the
long run, it's worth the trouble. Here are tips for preventive maintenance:



* Keep leather furniture away from heat sources, which will eventually dry the
leather out.

* Place furniture out of direct sunlight, which causes leather to fade.

* Vacuum leather regularly to remove dust.

* Blot any spills immediately with a dry cloth, and let air dry.

* Regularly use the recommended cleaners or creams to improve leather's
resistance to staining and to keep it soft and supple.

care

Leather-care products are available from furniture manufacturers and stores;
salespeople can recommend products for the furniture you select. Many retailers
also offer leather warranties. For a moderate price (about $100 for a seven-year
warranty on a sofa, half that for a chair), your leather will be repaired or replaced
if it cracks, stains, or tears, ensuring that you will enjoy it for years to come.

Tip #23

Glass Table Tops

Glass tops can protect your wooden tables, but don't let moisture get trapped
between glass and wood. Create an airspace by elevating the glass top on clear
butyl rubber bumpers available at most glass shops and let your wooden table
tops breathe.

Tip #24

Wood Screw Lubrication

Wood screws go in a lot easier when you scrape the threads across some candle
or bees wax or a bar of soap first.

Tip #25

Removing Candle wax from a table top.



If some melted wax gets on your table top, hopefully it hasn't hurt the finish.
Since you just cant wipe it off with a damp cloth, you have to scrape it off. Yes it
sounds scary, but it isn't really. The scraping tool of choice would be an ordinary
credit card. You shouldn't try to scrape it all off at once, but by taking it off in thin
layers, it will eventually come off. Since the card is softer than the finish, (We
Hope), is doesn't scratch the surface. Once you get as much off as you can, you
can then remove the remaining wax with a soft cloth dipped in lemon oil.

Some colored candles can stain a finish. If this happens, it is best to try some
rubbing techniques.


If you have a glossy sheen, You may try using a little bit of white tooth paste on a
dry cotton towel. If this leaves a glossier spot than the rest of the table, then you
will need to get some rubbing compounds and polishes like you would use on a
car's finish. If a mirror finish is not what you want, you can always adjust it down
with the OOOO steel wool. Don't forget to use your favorite polish when your
done.

Tip #26

Removing oil from a wood surface.

The only way to pull grease and oil out of wood is with a poultice. Go to your
swimming pool place and get a bag of diatomite or commonly known as
diatomaceous earth. Grab a couple of gallons of acetone also from hardware or
paint store. Mix the two together to form a paste you can spread over the top.
You will need about a 1/2" layer of it. As the acetone dries, the oil gets pulled into
the DE .Once it is dry, scrape it off into the trash and repeat if necessary. Most
likely it will take at least three applications. You might try putting a heat source
directly under the slab at the same time which will drive more oil to the surface.
You will need to do it in outdoors because of the intensely flammable and highly
smelly fumes.



Tip #27

What kind of finish is it?

To determine what type of finish you are dealing with, You will need to do a
solvent test. Put some acetone or fingernail polish remover on a finger and rub it
in an inconspicuous spot to see if the finish starts to soften. If it does, you are
dealing with nitrocellulose lacquer which is predominantly used in the furniture
industry. If it doesn't soften, try some denatured alcohol the same way. If it
softens with alcohol, you have a shellac finish. If neither one seems to soften the
finish, you are either dealing with varnish, polyurethane, catalyzed lacquer,
conversion varnish or polyester which are all non-reactive finishes that can't be
re-dissolved by their original solvent

Tip #28

Gluing Down Loose Veneer

If the top is removed, it will be easier to do the clamping during the glue job. Use
some liquid hide glue made by the Franklin company since it will bond well with
the old hide glue. Try to work some of the glue underneath the loose stuff
keeping in mind the there are most likely two layers of veneer. The top layer and
the substrate layer which has the wood grain running in the opposite direction
than the top layer. You may have to feed glue between all the layers. A long thin
bladed spatula is what I use.

Once you have sufficient glue to all recesses, you need to squeeze out all of the
excess glue with a veneer hammer, J-roller, or wall paper roller. Keep a damp
rag handy to catch the drips.

To clamp it, you will need a flat block of wood that is at least the same size as the
loose portion, some C type clamps, and some wax paper to put under the clamp
block to keep it from sticking once the glue dries. If you are gluing a descent size
area, you will want to start the clamping from the inside working your way to the
outside. This will help squeeze out more extra glue that isn't needed, so keep you
rag handy again. What you don't want is a pocket of extra dried glue under the
surface resembling a bubble on the finished product. If you are gluing in a loose
piece or patch, I have found it helpful to use a piece of thick clear lexan as the
glue block. This allows me to see through it to make sure the piece hasn't slid on
me while clamping. The hide glue doesn't stick to the lexan, so no wax paper is
needed.

After drying overnight, you can remove the clamps and block. If the block is
stuck, tap the side of it with a hammer like you are spinning it. Lifting it off could



take the veneer with it. If you have a finished surface with glue residue on it, a
warm wet rag will dissolve the hide glue.

Tip #29

Buying upholstered sofas, love seats, and chairs

When buying upholstered chairs, love seats, and sofas, there are a few things to
consider.

There are two types of frames, the cheaper plywood frame and the better
hardwood frame. The cheaper frame is more prone to loosing a spring if
someone sits down to hard or you have kids that like to jump. If that happens,
fixing it could cost you. The hardwood frame won't do you any good unless it is
put together with dowel joints.

Stay away from upholstered recliners that have the foot rest that pops out. I have
yet to see one that is worth buying. Even worse is the sofa with the recliner built
into it.

As for the fabrics, the cottons won't last near as long as the synthetics. A good
heavy tapestry will wear like iron.

Make sure you ask a lot of questions. What is the warrantee? Do they deliver?
Can it be upgraded with a better fabric or legs? Make sure you shop around.

Tip #30

Removing super glue from a finish.

This can be a tricky one even for a professional. The only thing you can try is
some 600 grit wet or dry sandpaper and a hard flat sanding block. Make sure you
hold the block level while sanding the glue down flush. You will get into the
surrounding finish, so try to keep it to a minimum. If the glue is pretty thick, you
might mask around the spot to protect the area around it.
Once you get it sanded level, you will need to finish sanding the spot with 1200
grit paper.
To get the shine back on a high gloss finish, it will take some rubbing compounds
and polishes on a cotton rag and some elbow grease. Apply your favorite polish
to finish it up.




Tip #31

Buying antiques

Your best defense when buying antiques as an investment is simply to be well
informed. Read books from the library, ask questions of dealers, know what you
are shopping for and what it should be worth. Most dealers specialize and so
should you, no one knows everything about everything. If you are buying the
piece because you like it and not as an investment, the only criteria is how much
you like it and how much you can afford.

Tip #32

What kind of glue should I use?

When it comes to doing repairs, it is very important to use the proper glue for the
job. When it comes to re-gluing joints on furniture made prior to 1955, my favorite
is Franklin brand liquid hide glue. It has very good tack and strength plus has a
longer working time which comes in handy for re-gluing chairs.

Furniture made after 1955 to present day is constructed with PVA (Poly Vinyl
Acetate). It is the pale yellow glue for woodworking or carpentry. If your project
requires a long open time, this is not the glue of choice. You are better off with
the hide glue.

For broken components that are hard to clamp and wont ever need to come back
apart, I would recommend a five to thirty minute epoxy. I don't recommend using
this glue for the joints unless you have a lot of play in them. It is the best gap
filling glue out there.

For fixing hairline cracks that you can't get conventional glues into, You can use
a thin or thick cyanoacrylate commonly known as super glue. It works even
better if you use an accelerator to speed up the hardening process. You might



want to shop at a model airplane store to find it. I don't recommend this glue in
areas that need to be structurally significant. Remember to keep a bottle of
fingernail polish remover on hand just incase you glue your fingers together or to
the furniture.


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