Old chair refurbishment

[HappyHacker]

During a visit to the local tip I made the mistake of taking my wife. She saw, and I had to buy this old chair. She saw a similar chair on the TV last night and liked it.

She wants me to sand it down and put polish on it. Apart from the difficulty in sanding properly I do not really want to loose the patina. You can see a lot of dirt build up on the top rail. It is in good condition for the age, apart from the seat, but it still takes 15 stone of me without complaining.

Any advice appreciated.

She also got me to buy a low table for use in the garden, only needs sanding down and painting with something which will slow down the rotting


Thanks
Kevin

 

[duke]

Fantastic find Kevin. I'm not an expert at restorations but I'd be very cautious and not over do it. Check out Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration. He has many videos and is a joy to watch.
The seat looks ok to me other than one strand loose.
Over here anything is up for grabs at the local tip. Something like that chair would be in the free re-use it sea can. Or on the wood burn pile.

 

[AndyP]

Have you tried a wood reviver? Here’s my old man’s recipe . He’d use it on just about anything as a first go to.
Obviously try on an unseen area first.

 

[HappyHacker]

Many thanks for the suggestions I will be following them both up. It has been covered with some sort of stain, that does not look original, at some point and there are signs of wood worm on the bottom rails but the exit holes are very very small.

 

[AndyT]

If I were you, I wouldn't use any sandpaper. It's an old chair and ought to look old.

To get the dirt off, I'd try a damp rag first. Maybe a little soap on the rag if that top rail is objectionably filthy.

 

[Cabinetman]

Well I think your wife has a good eye, really like that chair, particularly the arms.
Most unusual way the top seat rail is fastened on, never seen on done like that before, presumably turned knobs with dowels?

 

[Phil]

Very nice chair

I have used this over the years when wife has brought home a small table from 'where-ever'

2 parts raw linseed
2 parts turps
1 part white vinegar
1 part meths
Shake and mix

And then used 0000 steel wool or a rough cloth (old facecloth) and a toothbrush, hard, for the corners

 

[JamesHow]

I'd use a nylon pan scourer. Green top with foam underneath thingy. With washing up liquid. Leave to dry and then oil..