How to restore vintage Parker dining table?

[muirmade]

Hi guys, I scored this AMAZING original parker dining table, she's had the same owners since the 1960's, but she's well worn. The varnish really needs to be completely removed, a good sand, and polished back up again. It appears better in photos than what it is 😕 and yes I will be recovering the seats so they don't look like nana's curtains haha.
I am looking for the best products/advice to undertake this project? Send help - intermediate renovator  

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @muirmade. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about restoring Parker furniture.

Before jumping into the restoration, how bad is the surface? If you can share some close-up photos of the wear and damage, that would help with advice on the best approach.

One thing to keep in mind is that while you can certainly strip the old varnish and refinish the table, it won’t be exactly the same as the original Parker finish. A big part of the value of Parker furniture comes not just from the design but also from its factory-applied coating. Removing that and applying a new finish will likely diminish most of its collectible value.

That said, if you're not planning to sell it and are happy with achieving a similar look, you can sand it back to bare timber, stain it to match the original tone, and apply a clear polyurethane finish.

Here's a helpful guide: How to restore timber furniture. You might also like to read through How to choose the right sandpaper for the job.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[muirmade]

Hey thank you so much for this - definitely NOT planning to sell it, we are using it in our home. I will get some close up pics when I get back home  

[muirmade]

Here's some images if that helps a little more  

[JacobZ]

Hi @muirmade,

Thank you for the additional photos.

As @MitchellMc has said, much of the charm comes from the original finish and if it can be maintained, we should certainly try.

The damage you've shown doesn't look too bad, so you might like to give a surface restoration product before deciding on a more involved restoration.

Give this Feast Watson 250ml Surface Restore a try. Make sure the surface is perfectly clean and then apply the Surface Restore with a microfibre cloth.

You may find that this restores the surface enough without a more invasive repair.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[muirmade]

Thanks so much for your help! 

[muirmade]

@MitchellMc @JacobZ we used the Feast Watson floor cleaner (as directed under the Feast Waston Furniture Restore directions on Bunnings Website) and it's literally taken it right back... I tried on one chair before attacking all of them - giving the restore a go shortly

[MitchellMc]

I can't wait to see your results, @muirmade.

Mitchell

[muirmade]

  gave the table a crack today. About to give it another scrub. Managed to get all the rust off the chrome leg too. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @muirmade,

It's looking good. I can't wait to see it when you're done.

Jacob