I have a table made around 1905 and its base was apparently stained with natural walnut, which was a common stain at the time.
Most of the stain has been sanded off, but unfortunately there are few spots, like the inside of coves where the stain seems to have settled in more deeply and has not been sanding off.
I am afraid if I use a modern stain, it will become blotching where the old walnut stain remains.
If I sand more, I am afraid I might start to distort the shape of the cove.
I do happen to have natural walnut stain because walnut trees grow in my area, however, I am not sure I can match the exact color of the existing stain, so I might still get blotches.
What should I do in this situation?
Best Answer
"Antique Furniture refinisher" from someone like Minwax or Formby's (not an endorsement) is intended for just this sort of thing. It is basically a mild solvent that blends into the existing finish and redistributes it.