Replies

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Jun 22, 2009 04:23am | #1

   Do all your repairs first, including replacing the missing veneer. Then strip the old finish from the piece. Prep as required to apply the new finish, dye and/or stain as required to get the color you want, then apply the protective clear coats.

   Paul
   website

1. 
   integrity_woodworks | Jun 23, 2009 12:50am | #3

   Paul,
   this is simply a question, why do you say to do the veneer repairs before stripping?Dan

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Jun 22, 2009 04:46am | #2

   Paul has given you a very good sequence.  Go with that.  If you have questions about specific steps feel free to ask here. 

   Stripping the old finish means chemical strippers--you would sand through veneer in an almost a flash if you tried that.  From the 50's we can be virtually certain that the top coat finish is nitrocellulose lacquer, which should be relatively easy to remove. 

3. 
   integrity_woodworks | Jun 23, 2009 11:32am | #4

   JBuchmann

   the only thing I disagree with is doing any type of glue repair before stripping. fresh glue breaks down very easy with stripper,and the stripper can help remove the old glue so you get a better bond on you repairs. just thought I would add my two cents simply because over many years of refinishing I have seen repairs fail due to stripping after repairs especially with veneer repairs.

   Dan

4. 
   md2453 | Jun 23, 2009 10:06pm | #5

   J:

   You will want to strip the pieces first, then make repairs and in that order.  The reasons are many but I have found it is the best way to match the new veneer patches both in grain and color to the existing veneer.  The point made that strippers can affect the strength of glue is a very valid point as well so it makes sense to finish doing all the dmage to the piece before starting to repair or refinish.

   In the 50's there was still some use commercially of shellac, mostly production furniture manufacturers were using Lacquer but I've run across several well known brands that were finished with shellac so try wiping the pieces with an alcohol soaked rag first to see if you can pull up the old finish just for kicks, it could save you a rgeat deal of time working with really nasty solvents.

   You will also want to know that you may need to saw your own veneers for the repairs as the commercially available veneer today is much thinner than that of the 50's era.  I've had some pretty good luck getting thicker veneers from the folks at http://www.certainlywood.com in the more common domestic species so that might help too. 

   Finally you might want to take a look around the pieces and see if you can determine who the manufacturer was as there is a pretty good demand for mid-century modern furniture from certain manufacturers and designers.  You may want to see if the pieces are at all significant historically before doing too  much to them as they could possibly be worth a few bucks as is.

   Enjoy!

   Madison