Thread: Restoration old silky oak wardrobe

Originally Posted by angelmark

You're right, just got the taste for it and had already withdrawal symptons, wonder what's going to happen to me after the 3rd coat Tomorrow more sanding and then...

Photos!!

Hi Guys, just a short update on the project. I had to go overseas and just came back recently. So, I'm back on the project. Did a bit more sanding and I'm surprised how much lighter the wood still gets. However, there is some sort of small, light darkish/black residue in the grain, which I can't get rid off. I assume the wood has been stain. It comes to a point where I have to say this is as good as it gets otherwise I'm sanding and sanding until......
The last sanding was done with 320 grid, but the wood/grain is still fairly open. Wondering if I should use pumice powder to close the grain/making the surface more even. Not sure what will happen if I don't do that. I've put a fair amount of work into the preparation sofar, that I don't want to ruin the end result by cutting corners. Any thought on that ?

Welcome back Angelmark! From your description ( a pic would help) I suggest you're probably OK to prep for shellac. I was fairly sure that you would get to the shade/ colour you were after by a bit more hard work!! Maybe apply a sanding sealer first to fill the grain (havent used pumice powder before), and help with the nap? One of the forum sponsors, U-beaut, has some. or you could try bunnies. Then, shellac away I say!! Keep us all in the loop! Lawry

Thanks Lawry01 I recently watch on YouTube a German restorater (french polishing) who did the grain filling with pumice powder - lots of work
I'm not sure if this is really necessary for my silky oak wardrobe, because I don't want the 'high glossy effect'. On the other hand I'm not sure what's going to happen if I apply the shellac without having the 'grain filling' done. For example will it crack later? I have no idea what could potenially happen. I've attached some photos of the 'sanded' silky. The pictures really don't show much of the open grain. I made a close up photo and when you look closely you can see (or rather guess) the open grain (vertical).

Originally Posted by angelmark

Thanks Lawry01 I recently watch on YouTube a German restorater (french polishing) who did the grain filling with pumice powder - lots of work
I'm not sure if this is really necessary for my silky oak wardrobe, because I don't want the 'high glossy effect'. On the other hand I'm not sure what's going to happen if I apply the shellac without having the 'grain filling' done. For example will it crack later? I have no idea what could potenially happen. I've attached some photos of the 'sanded' silky. The pictures really don't show much of the open grain. I made a close up photo and when you look closely you can see (or rather guess) the open grain (vertical).

ANgelmark, others on here with vastly more experience than me might want to chip in with their views. My limited expereience with a more open grain English Oak...if you want, look at an old thread of mine ( G'day folks...help with old english oak desk please. ) with lots of peoples amazing advice! Here I simply used a grain filling sanding sealer and finished with around 8 -9 coats of shellac. The finish speaks for itself, and its not really glossy.

I love the grain in your piece, and I think the above approach would be fine...others may have differring/ additinal views..!

Lawry

Thanks for your reply, Lawry01 I've done more 'research' and I'm now more inclined not to use the 'grain filling' process. Because my concern is when doing the 'grain filling' that the 'texture' of the wood is lost and get a sort of plastic/laminated look (too perfect). I had a look at my other 'old' furniture and the wood has a fairly open grain, which looks actually great.
As far as I understand not doing the grain filling won't have an effect on the durability of the final finish. And that was my main concern.
Except some of the experts here in the forum advise me otherwise, I'm going ahead with the first coat of shellac very soon.
I'll keep you in the loop. Cheers

Great...go for it! Looking forward to seeing your beautiful piece finished!!