Woodworking: I bought a bureau....

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neocaligatio

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Just picked this up for a bargain £30:

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So now the question is - it obviously needs a good clean up, but should I follow that with a good application of something like Briwax? I'd like to retain the softer, older look rather than sticking some nasty hi-gloss poly over the top. Ideally I'd French polish it, but I'd be kidding myself if I thought I'd have the time.

Any pearls of wisdom from the various woodworkers on here?
 
After cleaning I'd just apply Briwax but using 0000 steel wool, that should flatten and knock back the damaged areas and bring out the colour without over restoring. You'll have to reapply and work over areas of discolouration and damage.
 
Ah yes - I think I've seen some minwax ones... or maybe it was coloron. Will have to see what the condition is like....

Tony - good point on the steel wool as I think I've run out.
 
It depends what it's got on it in the first place: penny to a pound it's what's known in the trade as "treacle varnish". It's probably worth stripping that vile stuff off and giving it a coat of wax (Black Bison is a little more durable than Briwax in my experience). If you want a chunk of wax filler, let me know. French polish and oak is an unhappy combination, by the way: looks all wrong. Try to avoid using wire wool because iron reacts with oak tannins causing black staining.
 
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