The local library ask me to refinish an old globe stand. It is 1940s vintage and is made of either white oak or ash. The original finish appears to be lacquer since it softens with lacquer thinner. The top had a lot of grime from being handled, the legs were in good shape except for some white marks (water stain?) and chipped finish near the feet. I cleaned the wood with a concoction of 3 parts boiled linseed oil, 2 parts turps and 1 part white vinegar – rubbed on with 0000 steel wool. This removed the grime and the white marks and cleaned up the finish. It also removed the gloss of the lacquer as expected. The original wood surface is exposed on the bottom inch or so of the four legs and possibly at the white marks.
My question is how to protect the exposed wood on the legs. A satin luster is desired. Will paste wax be sufficient? Or, do I need to wipe on shellac first, then remove its gloss with steel wool? I do not have spray equipment for lacquer. I am afraid to wax if some other finish proves necessary.
Replies
The linseed oil/vinegar mix wasn't a good choice since though it does an apparent cleaning, it sets up to darken and become grungy. Once widely recommended, museum conservation workers have blamed lots of long-term damage to this concoction.
I'd use distilled water with a little TSP to flush off any remaining acidity from the vinegar before going further. Rinse well. Then give the BLO a week or so to cure before doing anything else.
At this stage I would use shellac, padding on sufficient coats of dewaxed shellac (Zinsser Seal Coat or mixed from flakes.) It should adhere over the old finish and the new BLO crud. You can then use sythetic steel wool (grey 3-M or Mirka pads) to dull the finish down, or you could apply a coat of satin varnish if you have a place for it to dry without picking up lots of dust.
Wax is easy to remove--mineral spirits takes it all off. Just use plenty of the fluid, replacing rags often so you don't just smear the wax around.
Thanks, Steve. Sounds like you know what you are talking about. I will follow your advise.
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