FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What different methods can be used to improve my furniture or other items?
After 30 years of work in this specialized field, we have developed a number of different options, listed below, for satisfying our clients' needs. This gives you choices of both the desired final look and cost of services:
CTP (Clean, Touch-up, & Polish)
This is our least aggressive but most economical approach. This is best used on finishes which are gently aged and retain most of their sheen and color.
The basic steps are:
• Clean old dirt and grime from the surface
• Color touch scratches, dings and rubs
• Use a two-step treatment to brighten the color and finish.
CCR (Clean, Color, & Recoat)
This is our most commonly applied treatment option. Unlike the CTP method we will be recoating multiple times with a solvent based finish so the first thing we must do is analyze the existing finish to ensure proper adhesion.
The basic steps are:
• Test the finish for chemical compatibility
• Thoroughly clean and prep the surface
• Lightly scuff sand the surface to receive finish
• Revive the color of the entire surface to the desired tone and shade
• Apply the appropriate clear finish to achieve the desired sheen (ie. satin, semi-gloss, hand-rubbed, high polish, etc.).
SSR (Strip, Sand, & Refinish)
This is our approach of last resort and is generally used in two instances: 1) when the finish film is deteriorated beyond rejuvenation. 2) when the piece has been painted and the paint layer(s) must come off to get to the wood itself.
The basic steps are:
• Strip the existing finish down to bare wood
• Lightly sand all surfaces smooth to the touch
• Stain wood to your desired color
• Refinish with commercial grade laquers to sheen desired
S-CCR (Strip - Clean, Color & Recoat)
This is combination of the last two above and is a smart alternative for items like tables, chest of drawers, dressers and stands because their tops suffer the most use and abuse while the base parts are generally in much better shape.
The basic steps for TOP:
• Masking off base for protection, then hand strip the top only
• Sand to smooth surface and fill grain
• Match stain color to base and apply
• Apply appropriate clear finish
The basic steps for BASE PARTS :
• Test the finish for chemical compatibility
• Thoroughly clean and prep the surface
• Lightly scuff sand the surface to receive finish
• Revive the color of the entire surface to the desired tone and shade
• Apply the appropriate clear finish to achieve the desired sheen (ie. satin, semi-gloss, hand-rubbed, high polish, etc.).
Because of our lengthy experience and highly skilled approach to color matching this method results in a final product of completely unified color and sheen.
What are your hours of operation?
Times:
Monday - Friday ~ 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday ~ 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sunday ~ Closed
Or by appointment
Call first due to onsite commitments leaving the shop closed at times
Phone: 317.852.9770
I have an item with a nice color and finish. It's weak, wobbly, and coming apart. Can it just be repaired without hurting the finish?
Absolutely! Expert repair is one of the strong suits of our business and a skill for which we are known. As a matter of fact, a substantial number of jobs that come through the shop are for "repair only" with little or no finishing required. Repair needs are always estimated separately from refinishing just for instances such as yours.
We take special care in handling "repair only" jobs so we can return them to you with the finish undamaged and in the same condition it was received. In some instances repair needs will require some work to the finish (fill in missing wood, restoring broken parts, etc.); if so, we will note that at time of estimate.