These are wonderfully old uprights with upholstered seats. I do not know the kind of wood, but they are English (as I am) and a carpenter relative made them in the 1920s I believe. Now, they are not rickety, but the wood is dull, no shine, dusty looking and pale whitish gloomy finish at this point.
What is the best way to get them back into health and good shape? I do not plan to strip them in a tank, someone told me that is a no-no. Thanks in advance
2007-01-18 04:05:30 · 8 answers · asked by thisbrit 7 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Yes, never strip or completely refinish antiques. It completely destroys their value. A dull, no shine, dusty-looking, pale, whitish, gloomy finish is much preferred by antique experts over a beautiful, new finish. Also, retaining the original upholstery is important as well, even if it is dirty and/or torn. Antique American furniture is more highly prized than British, but nonetheless, this is an antique of 80 years and should be maintained properly. Use Murphy's Soap and a good quality wood beeswax. Oils can oftentimes discolor wood. Go to an antique furniture store for suggestions on a good wax.
2007-01-18 08:04:05 · answer #1 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We clelaned a 100 year old OAK cabinet that had blackened due to age, layers of polish etc. We used a good Lemon Oil and the finest (00000) steel wool we could buy. It cleaned up very nice and has a nice sheen to it. The wood did not get damaged at all. Every so often we put some lemon oil on a soft cloth and wipe down the entire cabinet.
2007-01-21 04:03:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Murphy's Oil Soap to clean them up then apply Old English Lemon Oil for a pretty and natural shine.
2007-01-18 04:15:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Murphy's Oil Soap
2007-01-21 13:50:28 · answer #4 · answered by ruff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here in Canada we have a product called "Murphy's oil soap" and it is for this exact purpose. It will work really well to get the best you can from what's there. Being the age they are, the finish may have dulled from age regardless of how well they were stored. The finishes of the old days are not up to the finishes of today. Good luck!
2007-01-18 04:10:33 · answer #5 · answered by 6kidsANDalwaysFIXINGsomething 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Lanolin. Sold in chemical stores as Wood Creme Restorer. Used as a cleaner with 4/0 steel wool, it will bring the shine back quickly. Get your wallet ready, this stuff aint cheap.
2007-01-19 09:03:03 · answer #6 · answered by ridge.runnr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Murphys oil soap first to clean them and then some liquid gold polish it's very greasy so rub it into the finish well and it will give them a nice shine.
momof4
2007-01-18 04:14:55 · answer #7 · answered by mary3127 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
murphy's oil soap might help you clean them.
and thanks for answering my other question. =) guess what? if i write my name in google i am the only one too. i am curious to find out what your name is, can you tell me? LOL thanks and bye
2007-01-21 02:25:54 · answer #8 · answered by ... 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋