Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Sep 15, 2008 04:26am | #1

   Is it possible to recreate a finish that has the look and feel of an old finish. YES. I've seen this discussion get very passionate both pro and con, but I know many people who can do just that.

   It takes experience to be sure. Most of it comes from working with furniture from different eras and countries. Necessity is the mother of invention right?

   I've seen many dealers (here comes the editorial) destroy finishes because;

   A: they are trying to save money instead of having a professional do it properly because " you know, I've really paid too much for this ........."

   B: they fancy themselves creative while having no knowledge of coatings, resins, solvents or the conservation thereof. Many will just screw a piece up because " I really paid too much for this .........."

   C: Their "restorer" is the cheapest person they can find because after all " I really paid too much for this....."

   I know this all sounds terribly jaundiced and not all dealers fit this but MANY do. I have seen more good pieces and finishes ruined by "dealers"

   Enough of that.

   What you are describing is usually called  the patina. It is the veil of age that wood and the coatings acquire over time.

   As far as original finishes; they are as rare as hens teeth. There may be a tiny bit left that can be identified under a microscope but most times it is a combination of all the polishes, revivers, waxes, oils etc that are thrown at a piece over time.

   There is no one secret finish restorers and conservators use. There are many factors that determine that path, experience being just one of them.

   I know I used this as my soapbox. Furniture and history are a passion for me and I'm very lucky I get to practice my passion.

   Peter

   http://www.petergedrys.com

1. 
   scoopjohnb | Sep 15, 2008 04:11pm | #2

   Thanks Peter,
   Can you suggest possible combinations as a starting point?
   Thanks,
   John

1. 
   scoopjohnb | Sep 15, 2008 08:30pm | #3

   Peter,I think I may have found a starting point:
   Looking at an earlier posting of yours concerning walnut (my primary interest), you suggested a couple of dye/ oil/shellac combinations. They sounded interesting, so do you favor any particular brand of dye? I think I recall you having a favorite mantioned in an FW article.Thanks,
   John

1. 
   peter28 | Sep 16, 2008 03:46am | #4

   I use W.D Lockwood dyes. Another brand worth checking into is Arti. Highland Hardware in Atlanta carries them I think.

   Often with walnut it is first bleached and then the color is "brought up" with dyes and or stains and glazes.

   Imitating or recreating a French walnut is done in this fashion.

   When you asked me about a good starting point, my first inclination was to tell you to study. I know that would sound impertinent but it's very true.

   Study color theory. I see so many woodworkers guess or hope a project will come out as expected. You see this in many threads on the subject when someone asks about finishing and "doesn't want to ruin it"

   Recreating the look of older furniture is about capturing that inherent glow old wood and finishes get over time.

   Do some simple sample projects;

   start by preparing the surface properly.

   Do a first dye with a medium yellow dye. Use a stain or a glaze deeper in value as a second color.

   Or; do a pale yellow dye followed by a golden brown dye followed by a sealer and then a glaze all with progressively deeper values.

   It's all about playing with the materials and see what they produce. Keep track of what you are doing and you'll come up with some pleasant surprises.

   You may not understand some of the terms here at first. The books on finishing do a  basic job of of explaining color theory. Three that I have learned a great deal from are;

   The Elements of Color, Johannes Itten author, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York

   Interaction of Color, Josef Albers, Yale University Press, New Haven.

   Color and Light in Man Made Environments, Frank & Rudolf Mahnke, John Wiley and Sons Inc. New York

   I know this seems like overload, but it is the base of what we do.

   Finishes such as shellac or varnish have their pros and cons. Read, practice and learn.

   Peter