Refinishing a Wardrobe

[B00kW0rm]

I'm thinking of restoring this wardrobe. It's all the way in the back of the garage so I wasn't able to get a pic from all angles. The design on the front panels is just beautiful and I sure wouldn't want to mess it up!

http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n378/B00kW0rm908/Stuff/cabinet1.jpg

Front Panels:
http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n378/B00kW0rm908/Stuff/cabinetdoor1.jpg

[backlash]

I wouldn't touch it until I knew what the current value is.
Refinishing could kill the value.
backlash

[B00kW0rm]

backlash,

Thanks for your response....I hadn't thought of that ::).

[AzLoneRider]

I think I would call an antique appraiser to find out what it's worth before touching it.

Also those panels look like a veneer they used in the 20 - 30's it's really thin and requires a lite touch if you sand them.

[B00kW0rm]

...I'll definitely try to find out more about the wardrobe (date, etc) before doing anything to it. Maybe instead of refinishing I should be looking into how to clean/rewax it??

[NCLee]

Agree with others about checking out the value before doing anything.

That said, even if it doesn't have a lot of value now, its value will grow over time. That's because there'll be fewer and fewer of these pieces that survive in their original condition. I cringe when I learn of folks taking those great old pieces and turning them into entertainment centers, and such.

To simply clean it, use mineral spirits and a soft rag, like an old cotton tee shirt. Dampen a pad of material with the spirits. Then, starting in an inconspicious place, clean as if you were cleaning a spot off a window. Rub, gently, turning the pad often to expose clean spirits.

Do that small spot and let the spirits evaporate. If it cleans it and doesn't leave a sticky residue, continue to clean the whole piece. A sticky residue can indicate that more cleaning of that spot is needed or the spirits are adversely affecting the original finish.

There's been so many types of finishes used over the years, it's hard to give advice, beyond this point without knowing more about the type of finish involved.

Google - furniture refinishing to look for methods to test for type of finish - alcohol test for example. Once you determine type finish, there'll be more specific instructions on how to clean.

Generally, mineral spirits will clean and strip off the old wax on most pieces without harming the patenia. (sp) However, there may be some exceptions. That's the reason for both spot testing and trying to determine the nature of the original finish.

Hope this helps, a bit. Good luck with your piece. Please keep us updated on your progress. I'd love to see pix after you put it in a place of honor in your home.

Lee

[NCLee]

A PS, since apparently I can't edit my post.

Mineral Spirits - work in a well ventilated area. Wear gloves.

And, spread out or hang solvent soaked rags and paper towels, so the solvent can evaporate, before disposing of same. I hang mine on a small clothes line near my shop for this purpose. They can be spread out on a picnic table, on the driveway, etc. Improper disposal of solvent soaked rags have caused numerous shop fires, so please do heed this caution.

Lee