Cleaning up an old finish

[Bert_]

It's cold today so it's a good time for some inside projects.

Shellac was a very common finish 100 years ago. It disolves in alcohol.

This is probably common knowledge to some but it took me quite a bit of reading to realize what it is. Around here everybody says you got to sand it all off and start over.

All it takes to restore is denatured alcohol and some steel wool. Wipe on the alcohol, let it sit for a minute then a quick scrub with the steel wool.

This is the result of about 20 minutes.

 

[Don1357]

You should add more shellac. A finish is a protective coat, the steel wool and alcohol can melt and redistribute it but there is a whole lot less than when it was first applied.

 

[Bert_]

You should add more shellac. A finish is a protective coat, the steel wool and alcohol can melt and redistribute it but there is a whole lot less than when it was first applied.

Yes. That's what I've been doing once I get done

 

[dffay]

You’re doing a good thing. There’s a gorgeous underlying patina to that old wood and sanders(abrasives) destroy it. Take down the mottled finish and bring it back up uniformly with a fresh one. Your effort will show.

 

[nsula_country]

Very nice. Haven't restored anything shellac.

Agree with the post that discusses sanding. Try not to do it.

CT