Is this shellac? Can this be restored by an amateur?

[margw]

Hi all,

This nice piece was in my young daughters room for a number of years. When I cleared all the junk off it to move it I saw how much damage has been done, particularly where she has tipped something over and completely removed the finishing. I have no idea how old the piece is as I found it on the side of the road about 15 years ago. I'm pretty sure it is oak and is the original finishing.
What can be done here? It has (well, *had*) a really lovely finish.
I'm sure you are asked this question over and over and I thank you for your patience.
Kind regards
Margaret
https://www.flickr.com/photos/11117928@ ... ed-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/11117928@ ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/11117928@ ... ed-public/

[Bob Boardman]

The easiest thing to do is to take a damp paper towel and rub it over the damaged spot. - If after doing this:
- the damaged area matches the rest of the surrounding area, then all you have to do is apply a clear finish.
- the damaged area doesn't match the surrounding area, then you're going to have to figure out what shade of stain needs to be applied.

If the damaged area matches, a quick fix is to go to paint or hardware store and buy a spray can of clear polyurethane, in a semi-gloss sheen.
Apply this to damaged area using a number (3 or 4) of LIGHT passes. Each pass should be a half -to a full second. Then STOP! Wait 4 or 5 minutes and repeat.

Let me know how you make out

[margw]

Hi

Thanks for your advice. I tried wetting the surface of the damaged wood and it shows that the rest of the wood has been stained.
It is beyond me to match stain colours so I am selling the piece as is and hopefully the buyer can fix it or just live with it as is.

Many thanks for your help.
Margaret