Hi
i need some help on how to best restore my aalto table.
when i purchased it the top was covered in countless numbers of pin/ tack holes and coated in a black stain of some sort. I managed to nitromors some of the stain off. however some of it was so ingrained it didnt come off. i then cabinets scraped the top but this failed to make much of a difference. i then bleach it[which probably wasnt a good idea] and managed to remove/ lighten some of the stains but stripped it of colour/ patina.
i have been advised to try to use a few coats of button shellac [to improve colour] and in between paint out and fill holes and black stains with pigments and filler. then finish with a wax. this option is easily removeable with meths if i dont like the finish
does anyone have any other suggestions?...would the danish oil route be another option? Was this not the original finish applied to these tables. i thought i could use a natural grain filler the problem is if i go down this route when its on its on for good
i am looking to get the most authentic finish that will improve with age...any suggestion?
thanks
give me strength
it sounds like you are well on the way to completely f##~ing it up. The black stuff you are trying to eradicate may well be the original black finish - a very commonly used finish in the 30s and often used over top veneers that were flawed in some way ie knots, marks, poor grain pattern etc. They used a type of cellulose finish I believe - you will never get this out of the grain so don't try. Generally the best modern solution is black french polish as you might see on a piano but slightly dulled. Problem for you is that you will need someone who knows how to this and they will expect to be paid. But please do this and don't try anymore bodges.
paulanna
It did not look...
paulanna
It did not look like the black was the original finish. it was quite obvious applied afterwards because it had large smear marks, expecially on the lower shelf. i assumed this table original finished was in birch as some were and decided to remove the stain.
I am attending an evening restoration class at the london metropolitan and this table is used as a project. The tutor suggested the button polish. he unfortunitly didnt realise the tables value and would not have recomended bleaching it.
i was looking for suggestions form people who had possibly more experience of restoring aalto and 30's pieces that were in a bad way.i would like to save the birch finish to the top but if all fails will have to ebonise or shellac it black.
It did not look like the blac...
Well you asked and I gave my opinion and fyi I have restored numerous Aalto pieces . I don't want to sound tetchy but I really hate to hear of important furniture treated this way - for instance how much cabinet scraping do you think a few millimetres of veneer can take - and the damage to wood fibres caused by bleaching? You are lucky to have a table left.
paulanna to be fair the...
paulanna
to be fair the tutor is very experienced and often called upon to restore museum pieces but works mainly with antique pieces. its a busy class and i think he just didnt register its value even after i mentioned the designer.
i have attached some pictures of its condition when i picked it up and some pictures of the table as is at the moment [top has been given 1 coat of shellac with pin holes painted out]. hopefuly this will load up on this message
i would appreciate any suggestions how best to deal with it...
Advice
The only advice I can give is get a new teacher, he only teaches at night! but it is the Met, so he should know his onions. I cant work out if this thread is a joke advertising a piece for future sale or just another strange thread added to the already strange lot. Youve F***ed the table just let it be and let it live the rest of its life an injured soul.
Or look at my rant thread titled this disease must be stopped there are no end of ideas for painting and "inhancing" bits of furniture!
If you want to come and work with me I wont charge for finishing lessons you just have to make the tea and sweep up!
Hey chaps i dont see the...
Hey chaps i dont see the need to get all worked up.
I purchased a poked alvar aalto table.i did some work to it which may not have been best in hindsight
This post has a simple objective...
i am looking for opinions from experienced aalto restorers on this forum on how best to proceed with the table from this point[hopefully the links will work this time]:
1]carry on and try save the top if this is at all possible;
2]or stop wasting my time and finish it with a black french polish as suggested earlier
original finish.
it seems to me your tabletop had the original finish.
by time and use this 'layer' obviously gets thinner, wich give the piece it's age.
in my eyes it's the patina that makes the difference with these aalto pieces. I wonder why you didn't research or consult this forum before you began.
in the 'after' shots your top as it looks now shows damage to the top layer or veneer. you'll have to repair this, maybe with a grainfiller or something like that. after this you will need to sand it slightly (it is still veneer).
let a professional or knowledgable person at a specialised shop consult you on the black stain (test some out on similar wood) and possibly a satin finish.
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