How do I preserve an old hardwood School desk without re-finishing it ?
I bought an old hard wood childrens school desk (and chair) that has a hole for the ink well. Could you give some advice as to what is the best polish or treatment? I don't want them to look new, but it looks like they could use some moisture. I've heard that some furniture polishes are not that good for old furniture..
I have over 17 years in woodworking, finishing and refinishing experience. Personally, I use my antiques, I could care less about 18th century being worth blah, blah… It’s nice to know that, “yes that ugly black mahogany table is worth 15K.. But ya know what… It’s ugly. “ If you want to keep it for a museum piece then I REALLY suggest contacting ANY museum and asking them about what is best. They will be glad to answer. As for ME.. I use beeswax for preservation. JUST like the museums. Car polish is NOT a substitute. Other waxes can either leave the piece white in colour or yellow. What actually happens with wax is that when applied it actually softens the OLD wax and never builds up. This is NOT like spray waxes. This is hand applied stuff.. do a small area etc.. BE CAREFUL. Wax can strip old finishes become gummy because of water based finishes, dirt, buildup of cheep polishes, etc…. Who knows what care your piece had prior so adding a “finish” like tung oil etc is possibly asking for trouble. Usually the piece is cleaned with mild soap and then a finish is applied. NO, NO, NO!!! Why should you NOT do this. The water based finish JUST might go bye, bye. UNLESS you are a pro. DO NOT use a wood cleaner. They can be stripers just as easy. I’ve used wood cleaning solutions to strip old finishes. Non toxic and lemony fresh. (Just joking about the lemony fresh)
Since I can’t SEE the piece. Really. Call a museum and ask if they can take 10 minutes of their time to help ya. They might even let ya bring the desk there and take a look at for ya.
MONTERREY, Mexico—A Mexican schoolteacher is denying she locked a 7-year-old child inside a classroom for hours as punishment. Professor Zulema Garza says it was an accident. She says she didn't realize the boy was still reversed the classroom in the city of
Sarasota, Florida - It may seem like just now a wooden desk to some, but not for a group of students from McIntosh Middle School. The desk is now in their home, the desk is a place they can call their own. "I'm proud of it. Nobody touches it in my quarters.
It still houses unforgettable memorabilia, including mimeographs from the 1890s, turn-of-the-century school desks and Bibles written in German. But today, the old school erection has fallen into disrepair and even came to the attention of Cape Girardeau
@ ok so I was at my old elementary school and I knew that you Louis and Liam were there so I asked the lady at the front desk
@ old school friend who just now followed me. i feel special. ps. your address from college is written on my desk. 
so happy finally got my first desk top or old school home computer the world is really ind in 2012 my kids told me that
I really want to get an old school desk for the kids. And some comfy chairs.
If it were appropriate, I'd sing Madonna out loud at my desk right now. Old school Madonna mind you.