Refinishing a parlor cabinet
 

I just got a pretty little New Home in a parlor cabinet. The bottom part of the cabinet is rotted off but the rest of the cabinet is still sound. On the top, where the machine sits when it's being used, there's a ruler decal. The finish is a mess on the outside and poor on the inside and I want to get it off, but I want to save the decal. I bought some Formby's but I haven't started. Anyone have an idea how I can save the decal? I know the cabinet will never be 'like new', but I don't like to leave it like this.
I know the machine has nothing to do with my question. I just included it because it's so cute. Sorry.

If Glenn doesn't answer, ask him on this thread:

https://www.quiltingboard.com/tutori...s-t109859.html

bkay

Thanks, bkay.

I m studying you cabinet. You need to use denatured alcohol and linseed seed oil to get that mess off the cabinet. Before you start let me know and I will walk you thru the process

BTW I have the same machine by New Home in an original Hand crank.

Won't alcohol damage the ruler decal? I'm most worried about that. Should I put masking tape or electrical tape over it?
I'm probably going to try tomorrow to work on the cabinet. I'll pick up some alcohol and linseed oil, today. It needs a new floor, too, and one of the bins is off the door, but they kept it. First I want to get the crust off. I think the wood is going to be pretty nice, in spite of the missing veneer, if I don't destroy it.

They're pretty little things, aren't they? Haven't tried to sew with it, yet, but it moves as if the parts weren't touching. Very smooth and light.

Are those two veneer spots in the front the only missing places? I'm still working on my first veneer patch. I had to remove it, as the veneer was too thin. Glenn said use a double or triple layer. So, I'll do it again, as I have plenty of veneer. It's not that hard to do, or that expensive. At Rockler, the wood working chain store, they have packages of 3 sheets of 8 X 10 veneers for about $10.00 (depending on the wood). You wouldn't need over 1/2 a sheet.

Let me know how many spots you have. I might be able to send you enough to do that patch.

bkay

My 2 cents --- NO tape, as it would probably do more damage than small amount of alcohol with linseed oil. I think that even some plastics will damage wood. Hopefully, Glenn has some ideas of how to protect the ruler.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Formby's will strip it to the bare wood. If you are real careful, you might be able to hand sand close to the ruler and still be able to refinish the top. Just keep the Formby's far away from the decal. it has a tendency to spread into the wood.