I learned this when I was 15 years old while working in an antique shop in Florida. They were masters at restoration and would not attempt to strip and refinish an antique, as it will lose its value. Try this on a small area first.
The products are relatively inexpensive and one treatment last a long time. It is an easy, gentle and excellent method of bringing life back into old wood such as paneling, cabinets or furniture. The mineral spirits clean the grease and dirt from the surface while the linseed oil moistens the wood and blends any scratches in with the existing finish.
Materials:
- Mineral Spirits (paint thinner)
- Boiled Linseed Oil (Purchased as Boiled Linseed Oil)
- #0000 Steel WoolClean rags (preferably soft cotton)
Mix one part linseed oil with two parts mineral spirits. Saturate a hand-size piece of #0000 steel wool in this mixture and rub lightly, making certain to follow the grain pattern. Then, take the clean rags and wipe off the excess.
If the area you have just treated feels sticky, put a dab or two of mineral spirits on a fresh clean cloth and wipe the area down to remove the excess linseed oil. If the mixture starts to thicken, add some mineral spirits.
DO NOT USE RAGS TO APPLY, AS IT WILL SEPARATE. IF YOU DO HAVE A RAG WITH THIS MIXTURE ON IT, FIRST SOAK IN WATER AND DISPOSE IN ZIP LOCK BAG, AS IT MAY INSTANTANEOUSLY COMBUST.
