25 years ago I decided to learn how to re-finish furniture, antiques to be exact. I started with this incredible urge that I had to "fix-up" my Grandmother's antique mahogany buffet that had been given to me after my Grandmother's passing. But I wanted to know everything possible about refinishing before I ever touched this beloved antique!

So began an era in which I became very profient in refinishing antiques, I had lots of people vying for my talent in this area.

I started out by refinishing about ten other antiques before I got up my nerve to do the buffet. I read lots & lots of books on the subject and learned from many people that I came into contact with at antique auctions and antique stores.

I also started documenting all my work for stores and other people plus what I bought and resold myself. Today those numbers floor me! I had a very lucrative business going for over five years.....I then got burnt-out. If I ever saw another chair to refinish I'd scream!

My biggest problem was my need to be a perfectionist, if it wasn't perfect or as near perfect as possible I wasn't happy. I stripped everything by hand, no dip tank for me. Yes, it became very tedious work and the enjoyment got lost somewhere along the line.....

Anyway, to this day I still have many of my Grandparents lovely old aniques in my home. The mahogany buffet, two walnut radio stands, a walnut wardrobe and many more I collected and refinished along the way. (the buffet is still my fav!)

*************************TODAY'S TIP*****************************

When you have applied the stripper to the surface of the item you are working on, I prefer Circa 1850 stripper Heavy Body, let the stripper do the work, don't be in a rush.

Use fine steel wool and "methol Hydrate" which is actually gas line antifreeze, dip a chunk of the steel wool in a plastic container filled with the methol hydrate and gently rub the item, apply lots of hydrate and rub around wiping off with clean rags. The hydrate works wonders if you are stripping old varnish or shellac which becomes sticky and gooey, it cuts right through it! And please remember to always work in a well ventilated area, wear rubber gloves and a face mask.

Never, ever use sandpaper or any type of sander on an antique because you will sand off all of the old, origional PATINA (age which gives antiques that wonderful, warm colour) and if you absolutely must sand (cringes here) do it very lightly along the grain of the wood.

I will be adding more tips in the near future...please check back, if you have any questions feel free to email me and I will do my best to help.