| The Thumbnail Test
A piece
can look good and need refinishing, or look bad, and a touch-up &
clear-coat will restore it. The purpose of a finish is to protect
the wood from moisture changes that can destroy the piece. To
refinish or touch-up? An easy way to tell is the thumbnail test.
Simply try scratching the surface finish with your thumbnail where
it won't be noticed (a corner or edge will do). If the finish is
aged or soft, it will mark or flake off easily. Just as you would
not paint over old flaking house paint, a touch-up and clear coat
will not work over an old soft finish; refinishing will be required
to give the wood the protection it needs |
