Thread: Antique Restorers - HELP!

troutface,
not sure about the refinishing (if it doesn't come out of a spraygun I don't want to know about it ) but it may be possible to correct the bow. If you remove the top and wet the concave side it should swell somewhat and correct the bow. It may be neccesary to remove any finish first to aid in penetration. It will probably require multiple applications. Leaving damp rags on the concave side may work also. Some people lay bowed timber on wet grass, the sun dries one side while the grass wets the other. Take it slowly at first until you get a feel for how the timber reacts. Once you've got it straight you'll need to seal both faces of the timber to stop it reoccurring.

Mick

Thanks, JM!
Sounds logical and I'll give it a try - slowly as you suggest. Do you think that cramping may help, or should I just let it gradually respond to your treatment?
I will start it after some suggestions for restoring the finish come in and keep you posted.

TF,
I'd be worried that the cramps might mark the timber unless you use a lot of packing etc. It might be easier and faster to use weights instead.

Mick

I did my silkyoak drawer top in a similar way. (See it here )

I placed the top concave side down on a damp towel and left it out in the sun for about 30 minutes. It flattened itself out, and then I clamped it with cedar either side in three places over night. I did this over 2 or three days and it actually ended up bowing the OTHER way, ever so slightly. Then I glued and screwed the top down to the frame and clamped it for 24 hours. It's still nice and flat.

Troutface
To create an aged look, first finish sanding the table top to a very smooth finish. Purchase some Van Dyke crystlals, dilute and leave the crystals to stand until youhave a liquid without any bits in it. Apply the liquid as thick as possible, the table top should be as black as you can make it. Leave it for a day or so to get it as dry as possible, then get a bucket of water and a clean rag toweling is best, then start wiping the crystlals off with the wet rag. You continue until the top is the same colour as the rest of the table leaving darker areas where the least amout of handling would have occured. Leave the top to dry, lightly sand with 350 grit apply the finish or your choice.
Hope this helps,
Me2

Originally Posted by Me2

Troutface
Purchase some Van Dyke crystlals, dilute and leave the crystals to stand until youhave a liquid without any bits in it. Apply the liquid as thick as possible, the table top should be as black as you can make it. Leave it for a day or so to get it as dry as possible, then get a bucket of water and a clean rag toweling is best, then start wiping the crystlals off Me2

What are Van Dyke crystals??

troutface, there is an excellent book called "How to Repair and Restore Furniture" by William Cook. It has helped me a lot and all my projects have been successful as I followed the articles in the book. Ways to overcome the problems you have with your table are decribed in detail, and many others as well, with over 1000 colour pics. I got copy from Robinsons Bookshop in Frankston. Good luck, workgoose

Restore an authentic finish ? Easy, fix up the table, use it for another hundred years or so and the finish will be restored and authentic !

Thanks, Workgoose! Nice and handy to me on the Mornington Peninsula, too.
To the others, many thanks. Will get back into it when hand is repaired (router bite).