Cherry Desk with stubborn marks left from leather…
kevmc_Samm
| Posted in Finishing on
I had a leather box on my cherry desk to hold incoming mail. I went to remove it from my desk to do some cleaning and found that it had actually *stuck* itself to the desktop. I tried cleaning the desk with some Murphy’s wood soap, but there is still some residue left on the desk. I have no idea why something made of leather (or atleast I think it’s leather) would leave a residue behind…it almost looks like some scotch tape had been left on the desk and then removed, leaving a small film behind.
Was wondering if I could use some 0000 steel wool with some Murphy’s to try to restore the finish. I didn’t put the finish on the desk as it was purchased from Restoration Hardware several years ago.
Suggestions?
thanks
Kevin
Replies
I don't think Murphy's is what you want. You might have more success with mineral spirits, possibly with a little synthetic steel wool. However, I suspect the lacquer type finish (perhaps catalysed) has been fundamentally damaged by "plasticizer" migration from the finish on the leather, or perhaps from a synthetic (plastic) leather.
You might test to see whether the finish is an "old fashioned" nitrocellulose lacquer or a more modern catalysed version by checking an inconspicuous place to see if lacquer thinner dissolves the finish. Knowing that will help plan a repair strategy. It would also help to know the sheen of the finish, and whether it is natural cherry, or if it has been colored in some way. Is it even cherry wood?
Cherry Desk with stubborn marks
Thanks guys. I got a hold of Restoration hardware and they're gonna call me back with the details of the finish if possible. Otherwise, I'll test the underside of the desk in a small area with some mineral spirits. See attached photo with a pencil pointing to the marks.
Underside Test
Kevin,
Mineral spirits should not dissolve it no matter what it is - unless its just wax.. (Naptha the same). To see if its evaporative lacquer, you will need to use Lacquer Thinner (maybe a little dab on a Q-tip).
To see if its Shellac, a Q-tip of regular Ethyl Alcohol - Ethanol. (not Rubbing Alcohol).
Let us know the results so Steve and the others here more experienced than me can advise the next steps.
To me it looks like unfortunately the stain may have gone right thru the finish and migrated into the wood. And the wood is very likely just a thin veneer - if your desk is similar to current offerings from RH.
Do you still have the 'leather' in-box? Can you scratch an inconspicuous spot and see how it smells? Maybe like a new shower curtain? If so - this might confirm Steve's thought that the damage is a migrated plasticizer - usually a phthalate of some sort. Then we might have someone recommend a solvent to try to remove it - without destroying the veneer glue bond and having it lift...
Looking at the stain, I'm not at all sure I'd try to sand or otherwise try to abrade it out at all (other opinions??)
Good Luck!
Chris
P.S. - maybe start thinking about making a new matching cherry in-box to sit over it? ..:>)
New Cherry Box.
Yeah, a new box made out of Cherry is on the todo list for sure!
Desk Marks...
Just to second Steve's recomendations - to check to see if the damaged finish dissolves with lacquer thinner. You might also call Restoration Hardware and ask what it is finished with. Get the actual name of the product if you can. Or at least find out if its solvent-based, or a water-based whatever.
It would seem very unlikely for a desk that it would be shellac finished, but if it dissolves in ethanol (ethly alcohol) thats what it is.
More likely, unfortunately, its a catalyzed lacquer, a urethane varnish, or even a water-based 'varnish' (these are terrible when it comes to durability - usually having a soft easily damaged acrylic resin) and it will need to be a physical removal/repair of some sort. It would be a good idea to know if its veneered, , as well as if its stained or real cherry - as Steve also mentioned.
If its real cherry it would usually nicely darken over the years. Sanding completely thru the damaged finish should be avoided if possible to protect the patina. Possibly you can rub it out with a little rottenstone or pumice. (Steve??)
In any event, if you are going to recoat or reflow (if you are lucky and it is NC lacquer) - make sure the surface is first free of all soap, wax or oils. First a water-dampened rag for the soap - then Naptha for the oil/wax. (Naptha should not damage he finish - but check first in an inconspicuous place)
Let us know, and Good Luck!
Chris
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