Thread: help restoring a rocking chair

Hi mate, looks like a pretty decent sort of rocking chair, to tidy up. Regarding its origins, I suspect it is a little beyond my knowledge, though whether German or US ???? I am half German (mum is from there), and I do know they too use eagles in some motifs, though looking at the design I would tend to think you might be correct in your thinking.

Regarding the finish, my best guess, is that it is likely to be a case of it depends, that being when made. If it were an older piece, it might have had a shellac finish, or some sort of varnished/laquer finish. If it were a new piece then probably more likely it has been finished in one of the newer types of finish (ie. Poly based ??).

What should you finish it in again, it is entirely your choice, but typically finishes from shellac, through oil based finishes (danish oils etc) through to even a poly finish could be used. Each have their applications, benefits, and/or problems.

In terms of the timber, that too is a hard one, perhaps some sort of oak or maple as a hazard of a guess ?? but equally there are probably a choice of other timbers that were used in these countries for furniture making, I am just out of my league there. Hopefully someone else can chip in with some advice/thoughts to help you.

All the best with the project.

well, the chair is darn heavy so i know its not pine! hows that for a start

the finish is flaking freely (at some points) ie: i can remove small flakes of finish with my fingernail. At a few selected points tough the finish looks in good condition and it does make the timber look a few shades darker...

I like the chair! Great character! I wonder if the flakes are old shellac? From what I've learned, if you're going to key it back anyway. before refinishing, maybe try rubbing back with meths & s/wool ..if it starts to key it back well, my guess is its shellac..and refinishing it this way I reckon would look fabulous..a lovely warm glow! Looking forward to seeing your progress. Lawry