Actually furniture that seems like a hopeless case may be reclaimed by dissolving the cracked shellac floor with denatured alcohol. Make sure to test the bit first. Recognize Wood Wool finish type. Most furniture made just before 1920 had a protective shellac finish. With time, shellac darkens, cracks and must be removed.
Chemical strippers might be too severe for this challenge, therefore use denatured liquor instead. It seeps in to the shellac and melts the finish so it can be wiped off. Observe: this approach won't influence polyurethane, which types a plastic-like finish that must definitely be sanded off. Old varnish or shellac could be identified with a black crackled finish. Crackling does occur with era and changes in temperature. Polyurethane doesn't weaken that way.
Begin the method of draining down the outer lining by putting plenty of papers down to protect a floor from drips and spills. Use rubber gloves and hold a supplementary set handy in case the first ones get also sweaty from the mixed shellac. Be sure to be employed in a well-ventilated area. Remove any drawers or gates and refinish them separately. Unscrew all fixtures, buttons, and hinges, Refinish them if needed.
Always work on an outside plane. Put a healthy level of denatured liquor on the surface. Use report towels to carefully distribute alcohol around. Wait a few minutes for the alcohol to penetrate the finish. Wipe off alcohol and blended finish with report towels. Apply more alcohol as necessary for stubborn areas. A soft comb is great for removing tough spots. Ensure the color is even. Replicate the exact same method for the faces of the drawers. Stay the drawers on end so your cabinet looks are horizontal. Try this for leading and sides of the furniture as well.
After every one of the previous end is removed from the furniture, use a answer of water and a gentle detergent to scrub down most of the handled areas and ensure they are clean. Dry down the surfaces with a clean cloth. If desired, restain the outer lining with great material wool to erase the grain. Then make use of a small comb or a clear cloth to remove the final bits of material wool from the wood.
