A large portion of our work consists of antique restoration and repairs. From early period pieces to simple country pieces, we work on just about anything. Many times the sentimental value is the true determination of value. We also are able to save items that seem impossible to repair. Jim uses the finest epoxy glues along with practical joinery which most of the time makes the repairs invisible. We always prefer to do as little as possible to the finish on antique furniture. That being said, there are times when removing the old finish is the best way to go. We strip all of these pieces by hand, without the use of a dip tank. Not only can we control the process better this way, the left over "gook" is limited. After the old finish is removed, the piece is hand sanded and the new finish is applied. So, don't throw away that ugly piece of furniture, bring it to us for a new look!
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In the past week or so, we have been working on a few refinish projects that should have been very routine. Strip off the old finish, stain, and put on a new finish.....Only one tiny problem, we had FISHEYE! this looks as bad as it sounds!. This is what happens over the years when furniture has been "dusted" with products which contain silicone. Since I should be kind and not mention brand names here, let's just say the most famous one has a fresh "lemon scent"... anyway.... What happens, is when applied, this product's silicone seems to make your wood furniture shine like new, and it does for awhile...then you do it again and again for many many, years all the while building up nothing but layers of wax (which collects grime) and silicone (which never, never goes away) When it comes time to strip and refinish, the silicone get trapped deep in the pores, or any little scratches, and dings. Now....When the old finish is chemically stripped off, neutralized, and cleaned if any of the silicone is left behind, even a miniscule particle here and there, they react to the new finish by making a protective little bubble , resembling a fish eye. Hence the term Fisheye!.. It is a nightmare! now there is nothing to be done but re-strip, clean with TSP and start all over again. One colleague of ours said once..."when silicone is in the air in the workshop..it NEVER goes away!" So, the end of this little story is simply to inform the public not to use any furniture polish which contains any form of silicone. # 1 there are better products out there, #2 if you ever need to have a piece refinished, we will be very grateful, and the project will come out with a flawless finish.
New England Joinery-Essex, MA. New England Joinery-Monmouth,ME. 85 Southern Avenue 641 RT. 135 Essex, MA.01929 Monmouth, ME. 04259 (978) 500-3312 (207) 933-2463 (978) 500-3312
