Several days ago I purchased an Antique Morbier Clock. My wife and I were attracted to the mid-1800 clock because of the aged patina of the clock case, a nice tea stain hue formed by an aged finish applied over paint. This clock was stored in an unheated attic for many-many years.
The ATTACHED illustrates the issue, it is the lower panel of the clock's front with its feet, the whole front of the clock is finished the same way, paint than a coating. I’ve been out on the internet and I think (guessing) it might represent “perishing varnish”. I can certainly feel the raised dried droplets of finish and so the question, how can I retain the aged patina, get it to a smooth finish and seal it from further damage. I’ve restored some grandfather cases before with hazed/cracked finishes but never had to worry about a layer of paint I want to preserve. Maybe there is a method to lightly dissolve the droplets so the surface becomes smooth then I can lightly sand and apply another coat of something......Thanks for your advice.............
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