A question about surface finishing

Hello,

I bout a vintage music box stand. There are some surface stain as show in photos. I wonder if I could get some suggestion of how to clean it without surface damage?

Thanks.

 

Are you able to tell if the marks are above or below the varnish?

 

Lovely, jingyel. Looks like it could be Sorrento inlay.

 

The Music box marked "REUGE"

 

I believe it is above varnish, but I can not tell for sure.

 

If it is above then you may be able to remove it with 'burnishing cream' which you can get at hardware stores, online etc.

If it is under the varnish then it has either been caused by something trapped underneath, or has seeped through a flaw. Removing stains from underneath is much more difficult.

 

Thank you for your suggestion. I am a chemist. Based on the SDS the burnishing cream is made from 25% ethanol and < 0.5% ammonia. I wonder if I can just make up those solution and give it a try? Or maybe just try with 95% ethanol? My concern is potential damage on the original surface finishing. Any suggestion?

 

Nooooo! 95% ethanol will strip some surfaces such as french polish straight off.

Burnishing cream also has an abrasive such as rotten stone in it, the liquids on their own won't do it, they are to soften the surface and provide lubrication while polishing. It works like T-cut for varnish - it polishes the surface so removes a very thin layer. It works on varnish, french polish and cellulose finishes. It may also have a retarder to stop the ethanol stripping away too much varnish.

If you are worried about the effect try it on an inconspicuous areas first. I use it all the time on antique pieces, never had a problem myself.

 

Thank you Ce for information. I will give it a try then.

 

Just by the look, it seems a kid (hopefully) tried out a "Sharpie" on it??

 

I have a similar one, but mine is not a triangle, it is a rectangle. Inherited it from my grandparents.