How to clean up and restore a Wakefield table...
by
Judy
+6
I found the perfect table for $25, then discovered it is Wakefield...SCORE!! It has some black marks, white stuff (paint?) and scratches in the finish (from what I found, none into the wood itself). What is the best way or products to use to restore this table? Sorry about the glare on the pic, but this is an example of what the top looks like.
9 answers
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I would use a wood cleaner like liquid gold or some product such as that. If it needs some abrasion to get things like the paint or black marks off you 0000 steel wool with the cleaner and just use it following the grain of the wood so you don't etch the finish in a noticeable way. Even a dish scrubber such as the white colored no scratch dish scrubber could be used with the liquid gold and then wipe dry with a clean soft cloth. The liquid gold will take care of the scratches also.
Diane Carlson
on Jul 02, 2013
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Thanks! I have no problem with darker wood, but was worried that some of the products I usually use would darken the scratches, making them more visible instead of fixing them!
Judy
on Jul 02, 2013
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The scratch below the dark smudges looks like it might be into the wood. As a Commercial piece of furniture the finish is most likely a Nitro Cellulose Lacquer. the easiest way to touch that up is with Deft Spray Lacquer. (which comes in a few sheens) I would NOT use any liquid gold as this will contaminate the touch up finish. Some light sanding with some 320 grit will even up the finish scratches, and a little wet sanding over the smudges with Silicon Carbide paper (320 grit) should get them out too. Once all of the defects have been fixed and the piece has thoroughly dried for a few days you can spot touch up with the spray lacquer.
KMS Woodworks
on Jul 02, 2013
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Thanks! I'll be working on this next week. I think I'm going to start with the leaves so I don't screw up the whole table. :)
Judy
on Jul 02, 2013
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For the black marks - try a Magic Eraser first - might rub the black right off without harming the finish.
Nicki Michaud Zoda
on Jul 03, 2013
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So glad to see @KMS Woodworks saw this. He's the one with experience here Judy. Please share a photo of the full table. You have me drooling at the thought of a Wakefield for just $25!!!!
Z
on Jul 03, 2013
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Hello first i would try the mr clean the little white scrubbers, sorry having a brain fart, or call in our radio station on saturday mourning here in Cincinnati www.55krc.com to the Gary Sullivan show. He has answers to everything. There is a 180 number you can call. Google him and the number should be there.
Maria
on Jul 04, 2013
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Thanks for all the help! I will be working on it next week...when I get some time off. Will try and post pics when I can. It's a fabulous table!
Judy
on Jul 04, 2013
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I am with KMS Woodworking. Good advice.
Phil Miller
on Jul 04, 2013
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