Help refinishing antique desk

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I have a 100 year old desk that was my grandparents that I would like to refinish. My aunt’s cats appeared to have use it as a s rathcing post over the last 15 years and there are a few pieces of veneer that are missing. I believe it’s mahogan, but I don’t know for sure.

I would like to strip and refinish it a lighter color than it is now, but am having trouble finding good information., it seems like most people who refinish these paint them and thats not what I’m looking for.

The articles I have found use citri-strip to remove the old finish. Is this a good product? Any tips to get better results.

The posts I’ve seen for filling in the missing veneer either paint or use a heavy gel stain. Are there any DIY techniques for when a lighter finish is desired?

And the what about finish, I would like to leave the color lighter, but assume it needs some stain to enhance the wood. Any recommendations on a color would be greatly appreciated

thanks,!

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Comments (5)

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Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I think if you realy love it I would take it to furniture refinisher and have it done right BTW if this is mahogany you will only be able to go a bit lighter.
Indecisiveness thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
AnnKH
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I can't speak to patching the veneer, but I can tell you I've used CitriStrip several times, and I love it. I've stripped 3 tables, as well as the casing around my garage doors, before repainting.

The secret is to put it on thick (more like frosting than paint), and cover it with plastic to keep it moist. Then don't touch it for 24 hours. When you remove the plastic, you'll see that the finish is bubbling, and you can (gently) scrape most of it off with a plastic putty knife (be careful not to gouge the wood). I rinse with water, but make sure to dry immediately - the wood will not like being wet (with water). Stubborn areas may need another treatment.
Indecisiveness thanked AnnKH
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Indecisiveness
Original Author
6 years ago
Im least attached to this piece of anything I’ve inherited, this came with the house they bought in the 1940s. My restoration funds are going to painting conservation so I was hoping to tackle this DIY. I realize it will never be ‘light’; I’m hoping to have it more the natural wood color, with maybe just a little “tint” to help enhance that versus the current look where you can’t really see the wood grain.
houssaon
6 years ago
I had a mahogany chest refinish and missing veneer replaced. It came out a bit lighter. You can probably do it if you are determined.
julieste
6 years ago
In the past I refinished a lot of pieces of that vintage. You don't need citristrip. You want something along the lines of this product. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Watco-1-qt-Furniture-Refinisher-266279/203369957

Wear heavy duty stripping gloves. Dip fine steel wool in the solvent product. Rub off the old finish. As you wipe away, with the steel wool follow up by using an old rag to wipe away excess. Finally, clean it up with a rag dipped in a solvent. Sand lightly. Use a tack cloth to remove the sanding residue, and you are ready to refinish. You will be able to get somewhat lighter, but don't think that you will be able to get the wood very light.

This is a messy process so put old newspapers or something similar under the desk, and wear old clothes.