Much help needed in the restoration of this Family Heirloom.

I would think 2-3 coats. Apply with a cotton rag. Old t-shirt material works great. It should absorb in to the wood relatively quickly and you can re-coat when dry to the touch. If it keeps absorbing, you can keep adding more to where it absorbs. It will not absorb much where there is finish remaining so don't apply too much those areas. Wipe off any excess. If the tung oil you get seems too thick to absorb easily, you might cut it a bit with mineral spirits to thin it at least for the first couple coats. The idea is to get it in to the wood where it is dried out. I would let it dry at least 24 hours before using the paste wax.

 

Hello Personally I tend to favor restoration of any piece on bad condition unless it is very rare with museum quality provenance. Since this is for your personal pleasure make it as nice as you can. My thoughts only, many disagree. Good luck. PS Dark antique wax is a miracle on my projects.

 

What a difference a few days makes! I Stripped the rest of the backing off it. Cleaned it up with some Murphys and give Her 3 coats if tung oil and 2 coats of paste wax What a difference!She came out perfect! I was able to keep the patina and imperfections on it while cleaning her up and making her shiny again. I found out from Brumby the the original seat and backing was a flat reed in a herringbone pattern. Naturally I want her to be as close to original as possible. that is next weekends project! .....a week ago I knew nothing about any if this! Thanks to some awesome advice from the people on this board and some internet research I have gotten her this far. I will be sure to follow up next weekend when she is completed.

 

Congratulations! Fine work for your first attempt - and "thanks" for saving a piece of history!

 

Nice job !
Next you could tackle your fence !!

 

lol....sorry I already have a constant project I had to put on hold to learn how to fix this rocking chair!

 

The chair is looking good! As is your other project.

 

Love both of your projects and would love to have both!!! But at my age I'd be better off riding on than the other....................

 

well it looks like my work here is done! Not perfect but an acceptable job for a first time try! Thank you all for the help and advice! I couldnt have done it without you!

 

That looks great! Thanks for sharing the finished chair.

And please come back again! You wrote, "my work here is done." Unless you meant the work on the chair.

 

Just wanted to send a final follow up on this chair to everyone. I gave her 3 coats of golden pecan on the seat and back rest. I achieved the exact look I was hoping for! I enjoyed doing this project so much I think I may have found a new hobby! For someone who had no idea about any of this a month ago I am rather impressed with the result! Thanks again to all that gave advice!

 

And thank you for keeping a piece of history, minor as it may be, from oblivion. And I think your taste and craftsmanship are brilliant!

Thank you also for sharing your journey and the results.

 

Love it -- again!

 

On the paste wax...follow the can guidelines and do it in a place that isn't overly hot or cold (I think they advise around 60).

Thank you for doing that...I'd hate to see the beautiful patina of the chair lost with artificial products and sheens. It's earned it's scars.

I too have my grandfathers chair. Horrifically modified beyond saving...and yet it sits in my water tower spitting out guilt every time I enter lol.

Can I send it to you? Heh heh

 

not likely , as the original poster hasn't been back since Dec 2016.....

 

at the bottom of every post ...there's a date it was posted...