I picked this up on Facebook marketplace today. Paid $250 for it hoping I can repair a few imperfections it has and put it into service in my living room. I have experience with aniline dyes and shellac and wiping varnishes. Thats my sweet spot. But my understanding is that this will likely be a lacquer finish. I am not looking for this to look new. I like to use the furniture I build and feel the same about a factory made piece. I don't abuse my furniture but I don't baby it either. I wish this had an oil finish but assume it won't.
1. I am hoping to get some input on how to address the large scratch on the top. Its the main issue this table has. I have cleaned this table with MS and a white scotch bright pad. the only imperfection that does not darken up at all is this scratch. The other dents, dings or scratches get closer to the original color of the factory finish (which is good). I have never tried repair like this scratch and am hoping for some advice.
2. Based on how MS effected this table most of the imperfections will benefit from a light refreshing of the finish. Wish I could just lay a nice thin coat of wiping varnish down to even things up after fixing the scratch but lacquer isn't so simple for me as I don't spray my finishes.
3. I'm not sure if this is old style nitro lacquer or precat or some other modern lacquer. How would I test that. I know lacquer thinner will soften nitro. But will it soften modern lacquers. How can I determine which i'm dealing with.
4. Is it useless/possible to go over current finish with perhaps a shellac sanding sealer then go to wiping varnish? Just curious. again trying to avoid rattle cans or spray equipment if possible.
Thanks for any advice in advance.
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