I recently transformed this antique buffet that I snagged at the local Goodwill for $10!
Here’s what it looked like when I brought it home:
I’m pretty sure that this lovely piece had been stored outdoors, maybe in a backyard shed. It was porous from having been exposed to high doses of humidity, and the glue on some of the ornate scrollwork had disintegrated. Sadly, I had to remove the scrollwork that remained with my putty knife, and sand the entire piece thoroughly with 80 grit sandpaper.
Note: when working on a piece this old, I wear protective safety glasses, a dust mask, an apron, and gloves, and I work outside or in my garage with the doors open.
After sanding, I cleaned it thoroughly with TSP, then let it dry.
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