Refinishing

Water rings, cloudy finishes, and worn tops on your heirloom pieces are usually surface problems. The wood underneath is generally sound, and a good refinishing brings it back.

The process

1. Strip. Chemical or mechanical. Careful with old veneers.
2. Sand. Progressive grits. No cross-grain scratching.
3. Stain. Match existing pieces or create something new.
4. Finish. Shellac, lacquer, varnish, or oil. Whatever the piece needs.

Some pieces are better left alone. A 200-year-old secretary with its original shellac is worth more untouched. We will tell you when that is the case.