How do I refinish this?

[Phil Pascoe]

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I don't know why it's showing twice, and can't see where to put comments or another photo. It's the flat areas that need attention.

 

[Argus]

I'm a big fan of Renaissance Wax for these jobs. It has a cleansing effect and provides a robust finish.
Not cheap, but worth it and goes a long way.

Good luck

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

I would cut it back with 240g then a finish of your choice. A sanding sealer, cut back again then a few rubbers of button or garnet polish followed by a wax. A dark brown or black wax scrubbed into the carving with a cut down 1" paint brush will bring it up nicely. Do you have the escutcheon plate or is it missing?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Thank you. I haven't the escutcheon, unless it's inside the chest somewhere - I've never actually looked through it.

 

[Rorschach]

I'm a big fan of Renaissance Wax for these jobs. It has a cleansing effect and provides a robust finish.
Not cheap, but worth it and goes a long way.

Good luck

Me too. Axminster do their own version now, a fair bit cheaper but still seems to be a good product.

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

This is what it should look like. If yours is missing you may be able to get one from Hong Kong which is where a lot of these coffers were made. I used to watch them being made in the workshops when I was a boy in Kowloon in the sixties!!!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I make my own M/C wax. I wouldn't use it on those carvings, I shall probably go for a softer wax as MrPercy suggests. Easier to get off.

I might try the top and see how the colour matches the sides then leave the sides with a wax scrubbing if the colour is OK. It's the flat surfaces of the top that are the ones in real need of TLC but they might stand out like a sore thumb if the rest isn't done - I won't really know until I start.

I seem to recall seeing the clasp, so maybe it's there.I've ordered a light brown wax and some button polish.