Antique German Music Box - Peeling Veneer


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Old 12-19-03, 01:37 PM
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Antique German Music Box - Peeling Veneer

I have an antique (170+ year old) German music box (22"W X 9'D X 8"H) that has a very intricate inlaid veneer outer surface. There are flowers, borders, and parquet designs inlaid on the top and all sides. The veneer is starting to crack and raise.

I believe this is caused by the dry heat in the house, over many years.

What should I do to prevent further damage?

Thanks for any guidance,

Rick
 
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Old 12-19-03, 02:58 PM
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You have curling, dry veneer that needs to be moistened, flattened, and glued. Here is an article on some of this. Actually, there some art and skill to this. Repairing veneer is not the sort of thing that everyone does.

Considering that, read the first site and plan what you want to do. I have reparied plenty of veneer in the past, but find it difficult to explain other than to mix some glycerin and water, mist the wood, flatten it, and let it dry. Then reglue and clamp it with hide glue to re-establish the original veneering. After this, the surface needs to be cleaned appropriately, then the finish improved by adding to it in its original form.

http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneering/flattening.htm

http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=1305&sid=AF998

There are many books on veneer and its application and staining. Reading some of them might aid you in amassing enough knowledge and confidence to undertake this project.

Hope this helps.
 
  #3  
Old 12-25-03, 10:23 AM
phantom1874
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Wood has a memory....It's going to try to go back to it's original damaged condition.
It depends on how severe the damage is.

Sometimes this happens even after you mist and glue and flatten it by clamping.
At times like this,after applying the mist etc.
I often end up applying coats of finish to hold the pieces of veneer down...

Other times I'll make a paper lay out and remove each piece and transfer it to my lay out.
Then I'll remove all the old glue with vinegar,neutralize with water,let dry,
and reglue every thing back.Let the vinegar do it's job...Take your time...
After every piece is back in place,wipe up as much excess glue as possible,
then lay a piece of wax paper over it,
to keep the excess glue from sticking.
Cut up some pieces of plywood ahead of time
to use as holding forms, and clamp every thing down.
Next day...remove your clamps...wipe up any excess glue with paint thinner.
Next...let dry...then if need be...apply your finish coats of varnish.
 
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Old 12-26-03, 08:37 PM
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Thread split and moved

The missing part of this thread was removed as it had failed to contribute to the subject at hand.
 
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Old 12-28-03, 10:11 AM
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Originally posted by chfite
You have curling, dry veneer that needs to be moistened, flattened, and glued.

mix some glycerin and water, mist the wood, flatten it, and let it dry. Then reglue and clamp it with hide glue to re-establish the original veneering. After this, the surface needs to be cleaned appropriately, then the finish improved by adding to it in its original form.


Hope this helps.
Thanks for the guidance and the links. I forgot to mention the top of the music box is not flat, so clamping is not going to be easy.

I have a couple of other questions, what is hide glue?

And, what do I use to refinish it after repairing?

Thanks again for your help and guidance.

Rick
 
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Old 03-21-04, 09:16 PM
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Thanks for the guidance and the links. I forgot to mention the top of the music box is not flat, so clamping is not going to be easy.

I have a couple of other questions, what is hide glue?

And, what do I use to refinish it after repairing?

Thanks again for your help and guidance.

Rick
 
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Old 03-22-04, 03:27 PM
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I would follow phantom's suggestion.
 
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Old 03-22-04, 07:36 PM
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I have asked twice what hide glue is, I guess I will never know.
 
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Old 03-24-04, 06:14 AM
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Old 03-24-04, 06:35 AM
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Thank you, very informative site.

Rick
 
 

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