I have the same issue here. I love my antique table but there is years of grime on the finish. I don't have time to restore it myself though.

Depends on how dry your furniture is. it may just need a cleaning and some lemon oil.

I've used Restor-a-finish successfully on a table that was scratched and dull. Its a quick, easy product that is available at Home Depot and Lowes.

ML

Thank you Maddie, Bullydosmom and my3dogs also recommended the Howard's restore a finish. I have used tons of lemon oil on it to no avail.

I also recommend the Restore-a-Finish. It's messy, but quick and really enhances the dried out wood and blends the worn spots. Make sure you follow up with their wax. In fact, I reapply the wax about once a year.

The lemon oil actually does well for dusting AFTER using this product and after the wax. I like to use the tented lemon oil to enhance these pieces - it makes a difference.

Thank you Tuesday. Could I do the table in an afternoon or will it take longer?

I also recommend Howard Restor-A-Finish and it's easy and fast to use. Just follow directions carefully especially about protecting things you don't want stained. I'm sure you could do your table in an hour or two depending on how dirty it is.

I messed up a table with Restor-A-Finish. Never again.

I use something that is definitely NOT made as a furniture cleaner, Glass Plus. It has ammonia, and I swear it's the only sure way of getting off that built up grime. I paint furniture for my space at a local antique mall, and it's vintage stuff that's usually been setting around in a basement or attic, and loaded with oil and dirt. I've tried other products and there's nothing better than my glass plus! ;o)

I haven't used the raf but have done mineral spirits and very fine steel wool

Link below provides excellent advice

Here is a link that might be useful: Refinishing

Patty, I'm pretty sure that Glass Plus does NOT contain ammonia (that's why I like it.)

Gagesgranny, below is a link that contains the steps that I have used successfully for cleaning wood surfaces.

ML

Here is a link that might be useful: Cleaning old wood stuff

Definitely in an afternoon. I did a vintage sewing machine cabinet and from start to finish it only took me a couple of hours including the wax.

You apply with old rags, leave for a few minutes and rub well. You are basically cleaning, moving around the older finish, etc. If there are really bad places like water rings, you can lightly rub with 0000 steel wool. Then you remove the excess finish with clean rags. You can repeat the process.

Follow up with the Feed & Wax.

I wasn't pleased with R-A-F at all. I could hardly see the difference except for a bit of shine. It wasn't good at hiding mild scratches either. I used it on a dark antique buffet.

But...while I was cleaning this morning I noticed my maple top coffee table needed a deep clean, and it had a few scratches on it. I found some "Liquid Gold Wood Cleaner and Preservative" in the cabinet which I had never used before.

I used LG when it came in a bottle for dark wood, but this LG came in a spray can and wasn't labeled for the color of wood to use it on, but I took a gamble anyway.

It came out in more of a squirt than a spray and I kind of got a lot on the table. LOL. After washing the table really really good, I rubbed in the LG with several paper towels until all oil couldn't be felt.

I couldn't believe how beautiful it turned out! I can't even find the scratches! It left a very light sheen on the table and now it looks almost brand new. Except where my late Gracie Girl chewed the corner. :)

I used raf and the wax on my 40's bedroom set, and it really helped it. I tried it on my new to me cl table, and it didn't do much. So I think it varies with the piece.

edit double post

This post was edited by noellabelle on Wed, Jul 31, 13 at 16:35

i have ordered RAF and the their wax in neutral and walnut colors. I am going to try it this weekend and see how it goes. I will try to take pics and post back

Restore-A-Finish is a SOLVENT! Use it if you want to dissolve old finish off, or have a piece with massive accumulations of alligatored varnish finish.

Start with the gentle cleaners and work your way up:

1 - mild soap and water to remove water-soluble dirt
2 - mineral spirits to remove oil-based dirt such as hand grunge

Apply with a cloth or a kitchen scrubby pad (those green kitchen scrub pads work well) and wipe off with clean cloths.

Then stop and evaluate it ... maybe all it needs is a good furniture paste wax and buffing.

Here's what Restore-a-finish can do (although this is my cheap DIY blend of 50/50 lacquer thinner and alcohol) for a really horrible finish. This was decades of time-darkened varnish, wax build-up and lord knows what else.

I applied it liberally to one small area at a time, let it sit a minute or two, scrubbed it gently with coarse steel wool, and wiped off the black grunge. My next step will be to clean each piece again with fine steel wool. Then a new finish, probably real shellac or other period-authentic finish.

Last evening I cleaned my table with dishwashing detergent and water using a yellow Dobie pad. It took most of the finish off. I suppose my next step will be a gel stain and then a rub on finish?

Any help is appreciated.

For years, I have used Old English for a quick refinish of wood. They used to have it in three different "colors," but now only have two. You can purchase it at hardware stores or usually in your grocery store.

Here is a link that might be useful: Old English

I tried this last night. It worked really well on a old table that was in bad shape. and you probably have what you need right in your pantry. http://missmustardseed.com/2010/06/oil-vinegar-not-just-for-salads/

Here is a link that might be useful: oil and vinegar