Refinishing Mersman Furniture - A primer with examples from an expert!

A selection of current photos from Tim Shirley from Tennessee with the steps he went through to refinish a 1950's Mersman table beautifully.

Figure 1: This is what Tim started with!

Figure 2: Here is the photo Tim took of the Mersman table trademark and piece number.

Figure 3: This is the table after Tim did a careful removal of the overlaid finish.

Figure 4: Picture One of the finished table.

Figure 5: Picture Two of the finished table..

Figure 6: Picture Three of the finished table.

Step One - Identify what the original table number was.

Step Two - See if you can find a picture from an original catalog.

Step Three - Delicately cleanse/remove overlay finish.

Step Four - Try gentle cleansing to show the grain.

Step Five - If you use a stain, wipe it on with cloth or wet sand. Four-ought steel wool will enhance the grain.

Step Six - Put on a clear sealer and finishing coats (usually lacquer).