Originally Posted by
Cogito
Sorry for my slow mind but..... Are the instructions at the beginning of this thread for dissolving all the old crackled finish but leaving the nice patina? I know "cleaning" was discussed, just wanting to clarify that term in my head. I have several treadle cabinets that are in relatively nice shape (little scratching, veneer intact) but the finish is shot. Mine are all older Singer cabinets....probably 1920ish. Can I assume they were all varnished?
Don't "assume"! Glenn will give you better advice, but a few posts back he carefully explains how to tell the difference between shellac and lacquer or varnish. Determine first what you have, and then you'll know better how to proceed. But I suspect once you follow his method your cabinets will be beautiful!