I recently received a commission to restore a Duncan Phyfe style hall/sofa table, manufactored by Paine Furniture, Boston. This piece has been stored in a shed for years, and has an accumulation of mud daubers, layers of dust, squirrel nests, etc.
The legs have been broken, will have to be repaired and refinished, but the mahogany veneer should only have to be cleaned and revitalized.
Question: What restoration product(s) and process should I use that will not damage the original finish?
Thanks to all in advance.
Pete
Replies
What is the finish?
I rubbed a small amount of rubbing alcohol (not "denatured" alcohol!) on a spot, and it cut thru. I then tried a spot of lacquer thinner, and it did not cut as quick as the rubbing alcohol, so I believe it is shellac.
This could be one of the most difficult jobs you'll ever do. Not only do you need to know how the piece was originally finished, but it's also important to know what products were used over the years to clean and polish it before it was parked in that shed. Many of the furniture cleaner/polishers leave a residue that can create a real mess when applying a new finish.
If Paine Furniture is still around, they may be able to help you with the original finish and an internet search will probably yield more information than you can handle regarding cleaning and restoration.
Since you call this a "commission", I'm assuming that you're being paid to do this. Hopefully, you haven't already agreed on a price. - lol
Paine Furniture's records were lost, the only valid info I can find so far is it is a pre-1943 piece, because of the brass name plate. This little info (so far) is from google paine furniture. I concur with the rest of your message.
Pete,
You should first try to test for the type of finish. It's probably lacquer.
First, test for shellac. On an "inconspicuous" place (back of a leg, underside that actually has finish) apply ethyl alcohol. You can use denatured alcohol which probably has a methyl/ethyl mixture, but make sure it's not been denatured with ketones. THAT solvent will dissolve lacquer. Look up the Material Saftey Data Sheet information under the manufacturer's or distributor's name on the Web. Using alcohol, if the finish comes off with a bit of rubbing, you're dealing with shellac.
If the finish remains intact, you've got lacquer or varnish. Apply lacquer thinner. If the finish dissolves, it's lacquer. If not, it's varnish.
Rich
I believe it is shellac, because I tried rubbing alcohol (not denatured!), and it cut quicker than lacquer thinner.
IMHO, this "commission" is one that only an experienced restorer should take on. If you're having to ask the questions you've asked, you're obviously going to be learning as you go. There are two reasons for not putting yourself in such a position:
It'd be different if you were doing it for yourself, or for someone who says "Oh, just do the best you can." But if they are expecting professional results, the ice is very, very thin.
Thanks, I told the lady that I would research and get back to her. Here in SE GA there is seldom ice, so I am being very cautious. My previous experiences with "saving the finish" have not turned out well, and having talked to many very experienced restorers, I believe that is a common result!
Pete
Edited 4/6/2008 6:40 pm ET by PCM
Apparently Paine Furniture was in business a very long time, and apparently retains value in the used furniture market, though I did run across a mid century Duncan Phyfe pedestal dining table with leaves that sold at auction for a whopping $250 after being estimated at $500-$800. What detailed clues do you have about when the piece you are to work on was made? And, of course what finish is on it, and is it the original finish.
Perserving original finish on industrial furniture isn't nearly as important to value as on "period" pieces, though sanding to new status and slapping on a couple of coats of poly will destroy value of just about anything. But leaving a dark and deteriorating finish in place just because in is original doesn't really help most pieces that were factory made in "the style of" a much earlier period. Senstive refinishing would likely do more to enhance value, I'd think.
The only definitive info I have been able to find (so far) is this piece is pre-1943, because of the brass name plate. The records of Paine were apparently lost. The finish , I believe, is shellac, because it cuts with rubbing alcohol (not "denatured" alcohol) quicker than lacquer thinner. Original finish?, I think so, because of wear patterns, but the legs have been repaired. I am going to try cleaning with soapy water, and then evaluate the remaining finish.
The customer may have to accept a new sprayed shellac finish.
Thanks!
Start by giving the piece a good cleaning. Then do your repairs. Next evaluate the condition of the existing finish and proceed based on your findings.
http://www.finishwiz.com
Thanks!
I am going to tell the customer your recommendations, and go from there.
Nice website, you seem very generous with your experience and info. That is why I come to Knots!
Thank you all for your info/inputs!! This is why I come to Knots!
Pete
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