On Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:24:06 -0800 (PST), wrote:

I was just given the go-head to refinish my wife's parent's old dining room set. It was purchased in 1940 (my wife still has the receipt!) and it is in dire need of refinishing.


Next question is what should I use to finish it again? I assume I would want to use the same thing. I certainly don't want to use any sort of poly.



The chairs are getting a little wobbly but I don't think they are anywhere near the point of having to take them apart. Would it be worth it to look into that glue that is applied using a needle; the kind of needle like a doctor uses? It seems like these can get into really small places, obviously, but I don't know if the stuff works.

One last thing: how do I get my wife to understand that the entire set is going to be much, much lighter than it is now?

Do you want to refinish or restore? Is the set of any monetary value?
Anything you do may ruin the value from thousands of dollars to maybe
50 bucks at a yard sale. Be sure you know what is going on there.

Why not use poly? Done right, it takes some time but looks as good as
any finish. After 4 coats of poly, cure, wet sand, pumice,
rottenstone, wax.

It may or may not be lighter.

If you want a quick method, roll on two coats of wood tone latex.