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Wanting help to identify style and how to properly care for wood veneer  

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DavesArchives
(@davesarchives)
Active Member
Joined: 2026 years ago
Posts: 7
09/03/2016 12:29 am  

Hello,
So glad I was able to find this website/forum. I've always appreciated furniture design, especially midcentury. I usually pick up anything that is in good condition with the original finish if possible, and I stumbled onto these 3 items. The bench is fantastic and appears to be a Nelson style slat board bench. The two side tables have a really great profile as well, and I love the 'parchment' mesh on the front doors. They look midcentury, but I'm having trouble finding any samples from the period that look like them. Neither piece has any markings that I can see.
Also, can anyone give me pointers on how to clean these up? They don't look to have been restored at all and the original wood and veneer have a nice patina, but there are some stains and wear on the finish. What is the best way to properly re-finish them or at least clean them as best as possible without damaging the original finish?
Thanks! -Dave


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Spanky
(@spanky)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 4376
09/03/2016 12:49 am  

I had one of those tables---got it for $5 at an auction. The veneer on the top was badly bubbled. I thought it would be useful but you kind of need to get down on your hands and knees with a flashlight to see what's in it! But it's rather handsome. The wood is walnut and the door inserts are pre-woven cane sheets, not parchment. Not sure what the finish is---probably lacquer. It is by an American manufacturer---I can never remember the name of the one that did a lot of this stuff. Google "walnut cabinet cane doors" and you'll see plenty of examples, including Knoll and McCobb but that's not what yours is. I also had some tall cabinets by the same company that were pretty nice.
The bench is a very common item. Count yourself lucky if yours is not wobbly. They seem to be pretty prone to loose joints. I am not crazy about the stained wood look but these are popular with people just getting into MCM. I'm not sure about the finish on this one, either---sorry!


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DavesArchives
(@davesarchives)
Active Member
Joined: 2026 years ago
Posts: 7
09/03/2016 1:08 am  

That's actually very helpful. Thanks for all of the info! Surprisingly, the bench is solid, no creaking or wobbling. The slats and supports on the bottom are fairly chunky with good quality hardware it seems. Thanks again!


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tktoo
(@tktoo)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 2287
09/03/2016 3:53 am  

Give them a good rubdown with either mineral spirits or naphta and clean rags followed by paste wax if the original finish is in good shape. Both are good for removing old wax build-up and grime, and neither will harm existing finishes or raise the grain of bare wood.


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leif ericson - Zephyr Renner
(@leif-ericson)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 5660
09/03/2016 4:54 am  

The bedside table things or whatever they are remind me of Founders Furniture.


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Spanky
(@spanky)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 6 years ago
Posts: 4376
09/03/2016 5:50 am  

I was just coming here to say the same thing, having finally remembered the name. But I googled it and couldn't find these end tables in particular, and I did find pics of the Founders name in huge letters inside some drawers...so seems like they were pretty good at marking their stuff?
I think there were a bunch of places that made this stuff, though. My tall cabinets had very small black metal knobs and not inset wood pulls like on some things I've seen in this style, fwiw.
WOW---i found a photo of them. That is the least amount of time I have ever spent hunting for a photo before finding it. I should quit while I'm ahead.


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DavesArchives
(@davesarchives)
Active Member
Joined: 2026 years ago
Posts: 7
09/03/2016 6:22 am  

Thanks, guys. Really helpful info, I do appreciate it. I went over everything with a damp cloth and light soap/water. Everything cleaned up pretty well. Not really sure if I want to do anything more, but I'm really enjoying the pieces.




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leif ericson - Zephyr Renner
(@leif-ericson)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 5660
09/03/2016 6:37 am  

I have owned some Founders Furniture pieces that were not marked, so anecdotally the company was not 100% reliable.


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