How do I preserve an antique chinese shutter?
by
Beth T
+9
I found an old shutter type sign in an old barn which I purchased for $25.00. The wood is partially rotted, but the sign has so much character I couldn't resist. However, the paint is peeling badly (but looks cool) and the wood is partially decayed and very dry. How can I preserve it without damaging any value it may have? ( I have no idea what is actually says) but I am told that this type of shutter hung around shrines.
10 answers
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any help would be appreciated
Beth T
on Dec 06, 2013
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the only thing I can think of is to seal it with water based poly. If you're in doubt check with a furniture restoring company.
Laila Garrett
on Dec 07, 2013
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Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas. I am afraid that the poly will not penetrate or seal the already decayed wood evenly. I am thinking about linseed oil… any thoughts?
Beth T
on Dec 07, 2013
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No poly, use shellac. ( I do restore furniture) and allow it to soak in to the dry wood. You can buy pre mixed orange shellac and you can buy seal coat by the same manu. Zinnsers. The seal coat is clearer and called dewaxed , shellac flakes that you mix your self ( best) are available and in varying colors of orange-ish , but it isn't for a first time user. Get a qt of the orange Bullseye Shellac at any paint or Big box store and a gallon of denatured alcohol. Mix about 1/4th of the can with equal part alcohol. ( I don't know how big this is so if that isn't enough, increase the amts accordingly) and brush it on and in , let it soak in. Next coat use 1/4 can and less alcohol by about half of that. Brush it on, perhaps a few times. Finally use what is left in the can and if I am awake enough it should be 1/2 qt. add about 1/4 part alc or less. Use it as much as it takes. Now if you have repairs to replace missing wood, a shellac burn in stick can be used or hide glue and real wood patch..and yup , more shellac. Shellac is a REALLY GOOD finish, just wax over it with a good paste wax to protect IT from grime, it is 100% revesible and re touch up able..unlike "poly" can be..and it is very user friendly.
Spheramid Enterprises
on Dec 08, 2013
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Ok, I see the pict. now...yep, that should do it, grab 2 qts while you are at the store, and I was saying about the clear seal coat that is what you would use if the orange color is an issue or you had a problem putting finish over something that some one else used furniture spray on, nasty stuff. Endust, pledge, etc, those sprays can make a finisher's job hell.
Spheramid Enterprises
on Dec 08, 2013
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Dry brush off the loose crud, damp sponge the rest. Let dry well before shellac. Could also use the alcohol and sponge but test the painted part first!
Spheramid Enterprises
on Dec 08, 2013
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Mohawk finishing supplies has all you'd ever need to restore anything.
Spheramid Enterprises
on Dec 08, 2013
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Yeah, it looks cool. Have fun with it.
Spheramid Enterprises
on Dec 08, 2013
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check it doesn't have borers Beth. And make sure you hang it up the correct way so it says things "correctly" :-) It's a lovely piece.
Gill
on Dec 09, 2013
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thanks Gill, I don't see any signs of "new" damage. It has been in my garage for about 3 months and there is no sawdust or other new visual damage… just some bird poop from the barn :). But thanks for the caution. I will check it thoroughly before starting to work on it. It is a post Christmas endeavor at this point.
Beth T
on Dec 09, 2013
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