November 14, 2003, Newsletter Issue #81: Damaged antique

Tip of the Week

question for you. any suggestions on how I can cover a stain on a cherry wood analytical balance which is a valuable antique.
Many years ago someone spilled an acid or base on the balance( i am guessing) and stained it in places.
I have tried to carefully sand out the stains but no luck although they are dulled somewhat but if I were to put polish or oil on the stained places they would turn black again. i know this because I have brushed the places with water and as soon as I do the stain turns from a pale gray to dark black. So i need to seal it somehow so it will not absorb the furniture oil or polish but the area around the stain needs polishing. what can I do to cover it or bleach it ( i do not think that will work and it might damage the wood more than it is and I think that the structure of the wood may already be weakened in those spots where the chemical was spilt.
Any suggestions would be appreciated as I just purchased this as a gift to my sister thinking that I could just sand out the stains. Professional help is not the answer as I cannot pay someone to do this as I have already spent a lot on the balance. i have refinished many pieces of furniture but this cherry balance has me puzzled. I just do not know what to do.
thank you very much.

Dear DIY`er;
It is my guess that the acid has penetrated the grain of the wood, especially after many years. In order to sand out the stain, one would have to remove a substantial amount of the wood in order to get down to unstained part, ruining the piece.

It has been my experience that when I make a real goof, it often works out for the best when I make it look like I "meant to do that". How about this: Before presenting the balance to your sister, print up a nice display card (calligraphy would be nice) that explains the "origin" of the stain. Something like," After careful consideration, experts (Hey, we`re all experts on some topic) have determined that the stains exhibited on this rare and beautiful piece could very well have been caused by a laboratory accident which may have lead to the discovery of the time-space continuum, incontrivertable evidence of the existence of worm holes, and a cure for gumpuckerootis."
When was the last time you heard of someone suffering from gumpuckerootis? Why, this balance should probably be proudly displayed at The Smithsonian. Instead, it is now to be solemn responsibility of your sister to keep it safe, and to preserve it for posterity.

To get the light colored areas (where you sanded) back to the original color, use a tack cloth to remove the sanding dust.

Home Improvement Guru

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