| Author | Content |
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
February 27, 2006
8:49 AM Post #2074742
| I have an old roll-top desk in my possession. It is awfully dirty so I am planning on cleaning it with some Murphy's oil soap and water, but not soaking it. My question is about the polish. After years of using oil-based polish, I have seen on both Martha Stewart's show and on Antiques Roadshow that a wax finish is preferred and protects the finish better. That makes sense, as I always wondered how the oil was supposed to penetrate the finish in the first place.
What do you folks recommend? |
maozamom
Orrville, OH
(Zone 5b)
February 28, 2006
5:16 PM Post #2077741
| First make sure you don't want to save the patina before you decide to clean your desk. Instead of cleaning with Murphy's oil soap I suggest you use a waterless hand cleaner, the same stuff mechanics clean their hands with. I find it does a much better cleaning job and it smells better too ,but that might only be me that thinks Murphy's stinks. After cleaning you should use bee's wax. I usually use Briwax, it also comes in colors that will help hide dings and scratches in th original finish. |
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
February 28, 2006
6:10 PM Post #2077844
| Wow, I have some Goop which is one of those waterless cleaners like GoJo. I will give it a try. Another one is SBS.
It's so dirty that it's almost sticky in some places. I think this will improve it if we don't over-do it.. |
Starzz
Newcastle, ON
(Zone 5a)
March 7, 2006
6:05 AM Post #2092566
| woodspirit..
So how did the waterless cleaner do on your desk?
|
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
March 7, 2006
7:03 AM Post #2092628
| I still haven't gotten to it yet. It isn't at home, it's in the basement of a county-owned mansion where archives is housed. I am going to try to find the time today; it will depend on how many researchers I have to help. |
Starzz
Newcastle, ON
(Zone 5a)
March 7, 2006
7:00 PM Post #2094143
| Ok ..thanks..
|
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
March 7, 2006
11:03 PM Post #2094778
| er, got food poisoning and didn't go to work or to archives to work on the desk. I will go again Friday. If you don't hear from me, bump this thread (I'm forgetful; being really busy is my excuse, lol). |
docdot
Blowing Rock, NC
(Zone 6a)
June 28, 2006
1:34 PM Post #2443631
| Eager to hear of your results.
Remember, the roll top is glued to a heavy canvas that should not get wet. The older the desk. the more likely that the canvas is rotten.
I want to clean up some 100+ yr. old oak chairs with leather seats. Need to know if GOOP or GOJO work for you. |
eyesoftexas
Toadsuck, TX
(Zone 7a)
December 1, 2006
12:45 PM Post #2959236
| Don't laugh...an antique dealer told me to use a mixture of ash and mayonaise...works wonders!!
"eyes" |
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
December 1, 2006
9:12 PM Post #2960626
| Well, how negligent am I? We moved the archives to the new library. The desk is still in the basement of the mansion. It is so big that no one knows how we got it in there. Even with the door and the woodwork around the door off, we can't figure it out, lol. Will try to remember this and get back to you all
I imagine the oil in the mayo and any fine grit would clean it without damaging finish. I hear cornmeal is a good "scrub." |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
December 1, 2006
9:26 PM Post #2960676
| They may have put the desk in the room before they put the walls up. That's the only way I can think of. |
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
December 2, 2006
9:13 AM Post #2961472
| No, I remember when it was moved there. it happened when the fellow who owned it died. It is in a mansion dating from 1917. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
December 2, 2006
10:51 AM Post #2961675
| Hmmm. I've moved alot of furniture but that is a mystery to me. Will have to mull over it. |
lizh
N.C. Mts., NC
(Zone 6b)
December 2, 2006
8:02 PM Post #2963024
| eyes, where have you been? I've missed you. |
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
December 3, 2006
12:22 PM Post #2964756
| Hi lizh: Haven't seen you in awhile either. Aren't you in Rutherfordton? |
lizh
N.C. Mts., NC
(Zone 6b)
December 5, 2006
9:49 PM Post #2972541
| Hi Wood, haven't been on much lately. We live in Todd, a little spot between Boone & West Jefferson.
BTW, I have heard of using ash and mayonaise too. I hope you have good luck cleaning the desk. |
woodspirit1
Lake Toxaway, NC
(Zone 7a)
December 6, 2006
7:27 AM Post #2973208
| still any moonshining up your way? We have a great new doctor in our community and he is very busy. I asked him if he enjoyed treating moonshiners and millionaires. He said, "both." |
