Revitilizing antique Wood

[Cut_Fingers]

I just received a 45+ year old, I guess china cabnet from my family. It needs a good cleaning, but is it pretty good shape.

I'm not sure if you all talk about this sort of thing, but it is about finishing.

I definately don't want to strip it. However, It needs some major cleaning and small touch-up.

Are there any suggustions since you guys are experts with chemicals & oils, for cleaning without harming the existing coat?

I wish I could tell you the exact type of wood & color, but my knowledge is limited in that area. Mainly looking for something to wipe away the old grunge and will then take it to a knowledge person to view to get a color for a touch-up.

Thanks for your help!

I've never seen more experts in one place that are so willing to offer their expertice.

Once again, Thanks!!

Jim

For cleaning, we've used Murphy's Oil Soap very successfully. *It works wonders on wood and is fairly gentle. *Make sure you use it on only a damp cloth or sponge...not soaking the surface, just wiping away the accumulation of grime and debris.

On deteriorated finishes I've wiped on BLO in very thin coats till the surface was restored. *It wasn't perfect, but you really have to look to see the damage. *I did this with a hundred year old hope chest, and a piano.

Al

Al's right with the Murphy's - good stuff! Lemon oil is also good!

If there are nicks and scratches, Old English works wonders at covering them up and also adding a nice shine and protective oil.

[Cut_Fingers]

So would you say to use the M-oil soap to clean it, then the Old English to restore some of the very few scratched?

None of the pieces are deteriated, but I'm going to replace some nails with brads or glue.

Al, sorry for my ignorance, but is BLO a brand name product? or an ackronym for something?

Thanks,
Jim

[DaveE]

when I started reading your post Murphy's soap was the first thing I thought of. Second I thought of dish soap suds... take a DAMP (not wet) sponge and gather just the foamy suds off the top of a sink full of dish washing soap and water and use that to clean the grime off. Your trying not to wet the wood and possibly raise the grain or get it wet under the old finish.... more all over cleanings are better than one concentrated effort.

English oil is great for both the wood and to cover blemishes, but if you going to take it to get advice on touch up you might want to wait before applying the oil. Either way you will want to let it dry real well (a day or two) before applying the finish.

Dave

Sorry, Jim, that's 'boiled linseed oil'. This was discussed a couple month ago as a finish and got to be refered to simply as BLO.

Al

Murphy's has my vote.

Rick

I saw an old woodworker use go-jo and 4/0 steelwool to clean some pretty dirty old chairs and it sure did wook good.