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Howard's Restor-A-Finish Question

BoblK

BoblK

Member
I'm restoring a set of Large Advent's with the beveled edge that I bought new in 1973. The question: What color? Dark Walnut or Walnut? The cabinets are in very good shape but need a little TLC. I've never used the Restor-A-Finish (heard it is great stuff) before and I'm looking for advice. Thanks in advance!
 
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Well, if the speakers are walnut and you use dark walnut Howard's, you may darken the speakers. If you use walnut and the speakers are dark walnut, no such change - unless, of course, you take them down to bare wood, which I doubt. Just scuff up the surface a bit with 000 steel wool, then follow Howard's directions on the can. Have fun..
 
Never mind. I did some more searching and found that Walnut is acceptable......and a lot of other advice.
 
After some time and trials, I'll generally shoot for the lighter version if I have a choice. I like being able to see the grain easily, all pretty and contrasty and nice.

Biggles
 
Howard's isn't the product you want. It's mostly mineral oil and solvent plus some pigment. The solvent evaporates and the mineral oil slowly rubs off since it never cures. It gives almost no protection from water spots in the future.

A much better way to hide small scratches and to restore a dull finish is to use a mix of oil and varnish, often called Danish Oil. Watco is one commonly found brand. The first step should be to clean the surface. A solution of water with a drop of Dawn dish soap works for a light wash down. Only let surface be damp never wet. Then remove oily dirt with Naphtha (or other mineral spirit or paint thinner). The naphtha will tell you whether the oil varnish needs to be pigmented or just clear, since while wet the mineral spirit would look similar to the color that plain oil/varnish would provide. Two treatments with the oil oil/varnish should be enough. Apply fairly liberally, let sink in for a short time, like 20 minutes. Then use paper towels or rags to vigorously wipe off all of the mix that remains on the surface.

DO NOT just discard any cloth with oil/varnish on it. Spread it out on a non-flammable surface until it cures before discarding. Spontaneous combustion is a real risk not an urban myth or freak event. .,
 
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