In a way,it is my own fault for being too easy going. It took Elbers over four months to restore an antique drop leaf Georgian desk, in part because I suggested they take their time as I wanted it done right. Still four months is rather long.
The piece was walnut that had been stripped and restored to walnut on the outside but with a lovely patina mahogany finish on the inside. It had a few scratches but lots of depth and could have easily been set right. I pointed out that I wanted the outside to match the inside. Instead they stripped the entire desk, excluding the interior drawers, including the interior finish on the leaf. Perhaps they didn't want it to be there for comparison with the new finish.
When I went to check on the piece before they brought it to my house, I was very disappointed. There was no depth to the finish, perhaps they skimped on the number of layers of laquer they applied. It did not have a smooth, glass like finish but you could see ridges of grain when the light hit it on an angle. The owner bragged about using 320 grit sandpaper on it but I subsequently learned that the final sanding should be done with a 400 grit sandpaper. This may account for the ridges of wood grain.
I feel as though the desk was vandalized not restored. When I expressed my dissatisfaction the owner and his worker became quite hostile. When I opened the drop leaf after delivery, I noticed it was missing two screws for the hinges. The owner came up and rectified this oversight. However he used mismatched screws, Robertsons (not in use in Georgian times) instead of slots. When I noticed this, I was so fed up, I let it go.
This occurred last year and although I can't really afford it, I am going to see if there is another company who can strip and refinish the desk properly for me. The desk has become a thorn in my side and I wince every time I look at it.
Is it possible to post photographs here? If so I would be happy to do so.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $4.00