White Furniture Co. Is there Lead in their Stain/Varnish?

I just got this great piece from "The White Furniture Company." Im guessing circa 1930-40 (perhaps newer) My question is, does anyone know if the WFC used any stains/varnish with Lead in them?

I was to sand it down to refinish it, but afraid of what may be in it!

Thanks in advance for your answers!

 

That's a very attractive piece. Think your dates a bit early; post World War II more likely. (1960ish to my eye.)

Debora

 

Think lead would be in paint.

By the way many of us old folks here, stripped and refinished a lot of furniture, chewed on painted playpens, ate off Fiesta dishes and are still here to talk about it.

Just be sure to work in a well ventilated area. If you are worried about dust, wear a mask.

 

Believe it or not, Dr. Google says that lead was added to stain and varnishes as well to speed the drying of those materials as well as paint. News to me!

Yes, well-ventilated (or an excellent dust collection system like my neighbor has in his shop) and wear a mask - but you should do that anyway, regardless.

 

Also think 60s-70s. Really doesn't look like it needs something as drastic as sanding.

 

Is it possible to access behind the middle panel? If so, how? And what is there?

 

I'm going to agree with a 1960's date for this piece. My mother had pieces from the same line in our dining room when I was growing up. (My older sister has some of it still.) The house was built in the late 1950's, and the furniture was purchased for that house, so I know it is no earlier than that.

Also, here's an interesting blog about White Furniture. Perhaps someone there can answer your questions:
http://www.irisabbey.com/uncategorized/white-furniture-company-of-mebane-nc-part-1/

 

Silver, I can't say for sure with Timothy's piece, but the middle part of ours had a door that opened with a short, sharp push to the top left side. It had a magnetic closure but no knob, as that would have unbalanced the appearance of the piece. There was a shelf inside the compartment, behind the door.

Timothy's seems to have a door, as well, with hinges along the right side, just as ours did.

 

As I said, I love hiding places!

 

there are relatively inexpensive lead test kits available to check for the presence of lead; such as this at Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/3M-717834209...&qid=1544538778&sr=8-3&keywords=lead+test+kit

 

Sadly you are correct. That is a nice piece. I have the same piece, in a not so nice condition. Mine is still nice, but not that pristine! My concern is with two kids at home, I didn't want to ingest/leave lead particles around outside that may contaminate the area. #bettersafethansorry! I used that pic, because I feel it portrays the piece to look more familair than the one I have. Here is mine!

 

Why refinish? It looks excellent. Mid Century furniture is popular these days..too bad its not Italian or Danish would go for a good amount of money.
If you sand it and there is Veneer which it certainly is, it is so thin you can ruin it.Usually on things like this a stripper of some type is used..neutralized then lightly smoothed before finish goes on.

 

I'd get some Howard's Restor-A-Finish and wipe it down and cover any spots, then use Howards Orange Oil.
Others like other oils and will chime in

 

See Below for a look on the inside.

 

The picture of your actual item seems to show two of them, @Timothy Blasko -- do you have two? Not sure what I'm seeing there. The photo is also small enough that it's hard to see the condition.

The original looks very nice, and I hope you can clean yours up or change it to look as you want it to look.

 

I have a beautiful dining room set purchased by my parents in 1967. It recently had water spilled on the dining room table and I am so upset. I desperately want to have the water damage repaired, but don't know where to begin. Any suggestions ?

 

Since this thread is over two years old, I'm going to tag a couple of people that might be able to help you with your predicament.

@verybrad @Ghopper1924

 

also: @gregsglass

 

I Need Help is so helpful!