Repairiing nitrocellulose finish

[Leif]

Has anyone experience of repairing nitrocellulose finishes? I picked up from a provincial auction a chest of drawers in elm (the draw carcasses look to be sapele), and I rather like the 60's finish, but there are a some marks, a few white areas, a few scratches. I could strip it and oil it, but as I say, the finish has aged nicely.

 

[MIGNAL]

You can repair it. Go to the Guitar building/repair forums, especially electrics. They used a lot of NC and also do spot finish repairs.
Careful with the fumes. NC is seriously nasty stuff.

 

[Leif]

Thanks. I searched guitar forums last night, and it seems you apply a dab of new nitro, leave to set for a few days, then fine sand and buff. I will try with some offcuts of wood, and see how hard/easy it is to get a good finish.

A lot of oil based finishes are being banned, or replaced due to the fumes. I think Gibson still use nitro on their Les Pauls.