Oops!

[Roy Hill]

Hey folks, need a little advice.
Accidently got some flashlight battery acid on the top of an old mahogany chest (50+ years old). The acid boiled up the finish (probably varnish) and I immediately cleaned it off when I found it. What more do I need to do to prevent futher damage? Thanks in advance.

Roy Hill

[Bruce Shiverdecker]

I would wipe it with a baking soda solution to offset the acid, then clear water and let it dry.

Bruce

[Steve Schoene]

Bruce makes sense about neutralizing the acid.

If this is a factory made piece in the age range you mentioned the finish is almost certainly lacquer. That will make it a bit easier to repair the finish when you get to that point.