Cleaning
- Varnished wooden cases: Clean with a cloth soaked in polishing solution. Repeat until the cloth is no longer dirty. Japanese water can also be used for cleaning.
- Waxed wooden cases: Use a wax remover and cleaner.
- Bakelite (plastic) cases: Start with soapy water. Then polish with Miror.
- Metal cases: Use slightly ammonia-based water.
Cotton Wicks
fig.1 Cotton Wicks
This material, widely used by cabinetmakers, absorbs the active product without shedding lint. For French polishing, they are placed inside a cotton cloth.
Application: Wear gloves before application.
Application: Wear gloves before application.
Steel Wool
fig.2 Steel Wool
Steel wool comes in various abrasiveness levels.
It helps clean dirty and rusted metal chassis, as well as sand intricate woodworking details. For flat surfaces, sandpaper is preferred. Application: Wear gloves before application and use a vacuum cleaner.
Tips: Be cautious and protect your respiratory system while working. Sanding releases fine wood and metal dust that can enter your nose, mouth, and the radio chassis, causing short circuits. Use a mask to protect your nose and mouth (available at pharmacies for a low price). For chassis, protection is more challenging...
It helps clean dirty and rusted metal chassis, as well as sand intricate woodworking details. For flat surfaces, sandpaper is preferred. Application: Wear gloves before application and use a vacuum cleaner.
Tips: Be cautious and protect your respiratory system while working. Sanding releases fine wood and metal dust that can enter your nose, mouth, and the radio chassis, causing short circuits. Use a mask to protect your nose and mouth (available at pharmacies for a low price). For chassis, protection is more challenging...
Polishing Solution
fig.3 Polishing Solution
Cleans and restores shine to all varnished furniture, old or modern. Essential after a French polish finish to remove grease residues left by the old varnish solution.
Application: Shake the bottle before use. Soak a cotton wick with the polishing solution and apply in circular motions, moving progressively. Do not stop rubbing until the surface is perfectly shiny.
Tips: The polishing solution is indispensable after finishing a French polish to remove grease traces left by the recharging solution.
Application: Shake the bottle before use. Soak a cotton wick with the polishing solution and apply in circular motions, moving progressively. Do not stop rubbing until the surface is perfectly shiny.
Tips: The polishing solution is indispensable after finishing a French polish to remove grease traces left by the recharging solution.
Japanese Water
Japanese water is particularly recommended for furniture with metal inlays, as it does not damage wood or varnish. It has the same effect, though milder, as SP cleaner for copper and bronze, which is used for metal objects only.
Application: Use like a polishing solution applicable to all varnished surfaces (French polish, cellulose, polyurethane).
Tips: Shake the bottle well before use. Using a soft cloth or, preferably, a varnishing wick, rub small areas until the product disappears. Repeat the process until the varnish regains its shine. Finish with a clean, dry cloth. For engraved bronzes, finish with a soft brush to clean the grooves. The product is acidic—avoid splashes on fabrics and skin. Always conduct a practical test before widespread use.
Reminder: Always follow individual protection rules when using chemicals (hands, eyes, etc.). Do not neglect them.
Application: Use like a polishing solution applicable to all varnished surfaces (French polish, cellulose, polyurethane).
Tips: Shake the bottle well before use. Using a soft cloth or, preferably, a varnishing wick, rub small areas until the product disappears. Repeat the process until the varnish regains its shine. Finish with a clean, dry cloth. For engraved bronzes, finish with a soft brush to clean the grooves. The product is acidic—avoid splashes on fabrics and skin. Always conduct a practical test before widespread use.
Reminder: Always follow individual protection rules when using chemicals (hands, eyes, etc.). Do not neglect them.
Wax Remover
fig.4 Wax Remover Liquid
The wax remover from Anciens Ébénistes is specifically designed to remove old wax, grease stains, and dirt from old waxed furniture and floors. It can also be used to clean tools and brushes after waxing.
Application: Wear gloves before use. Apply the remover generously with a cotton wick or cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes without drying, then rub with #00 steel wool. Replace the pad when it becomes dirty. Before drying, remove wax and dirt with a new cotton wick. Let dry for approximately 30 minutes.
Tips: This product is toxic, irritating, and flammable. Wear gloves and protective goggles, and keep it out of children's reach. It contains petroleum distillates: Work in a ventilated area or wear a mask.
Application: Wear gloves before use. Apply the remover generously with a cotton wick or cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes without drying, then rub with #00 steel wool. Replace the pad when it becomes dirty. Before drying, remove wax and dirt with a new cotton wick. Let dry for approximately 30 minutes.
Tips: This product is toxic, irritating, and flammable. Wear gloves and protective goggles, and keep it out of children's reach. It contains petroleum distillates: Work in a ventilated area or wear a mask.
Miror
fig.5 Miror canister
Miror, in addition to cleaning copper, can also polish Bakelite.
Application: Wear gloves before application. Using a soft cotton cloth, rub the micro-scratched surface.
Advice: Toxic, irritating, and flammable product: - Wear gloves and protective goggles. - Keep out of reach of children.
Application: Wear gloves before application. Using a soft cotton cloth, rub the micro-scratched surface.
Advice: Toxic, irritating, and flammable product: - Wear gloves and protective goggles. - Keep out of reach of children.
Sources and References
[1] R. CRESPIN, "Memento TUNGSRAM", Vol III, Edition Crespin, Paris, 1945, revised by Roger RAFFIN, 1958.
