I'm trying to restore the finish on my old bed for my son. It is a
solid maple bed
with 1947 printed on the back from the factory.

I've tried both denatured alcohol and lacquer thinner, and they both
dissolve
the finish. Could it be tinted wax? I can see a couple runs in one
place. Do
you get that from wax? Could a wax finish have held up that well for
50 years?
The finish is in good condition except for a few scratches and some worn
spots
on the corners.

Thanks,
Steve

Are you sure they are dissolving the finish and not just cleaning it
really well? 60 years is a lot of dirt

FriscoSoxFan wrote:
Are you sure they are dissolving the finish and not just cleaning it
really well? 60 years is a lot of dirt


It's just a dull stained wood that is left.

I looked at the can of lacquer thinner. It is from Klean-Strip.
It says it contains Methanol. Will that dissolve Shellac?
I just went to their web site, and found this page:

http://www.kleanstrip.com/knowsolvents.htm

They say this, "lacquer thinner is so strong that it quickly dissolves
both shellac and lacquer finishes."

Everything else I've read says lacquer thinner won't touch
shellac.

Steve

50 Years ago, it was most likely a lacquer finish but it might have been a
shellac. Both were common.

Dave

"Stephen Strazdus" wrote in message
news:youQd.90425$0u.79486@fed1read04...
I'm trying to restore the finish on my old bed for my son. It is a solid
maple bed
with 1947 printed on the back from the factory.

I've tried both denatured alcohol and lacquer thinner, and they both
dissolve
the finish. Could it be tinted wax? I can see a couple runs in one
place. Do
you get that from wax? Could a wax finish have held up that well for 50
years?
The finish is in good condition except for a few scratches and some worn
spots
on the corners.

Thanks,
Steve



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If alcohol really disolves it, then it is shellac. In an inconspicious
spot try cleaning it well with a little vinegar in warm water, then
rough it up with some 220 and try laying down some new Shellac.