NZ Colonial Bed

These bobbin turning beds are a NZ classic and this is a good example of preserving an original finish.  Aside from a few repairs necessary this bed was in good condition.  By thoroughly cleaning the surface with steel wool and turpentine, which removed the dirt and smoothed the finish, then carefully applying clear shellac over the original gum varnish the original finish was preserved as well as reconstituted to an extent – the shellac slightly melts the gum varnish – then cut back the finish, polished some more and then waxed.  By this means the original look of the bed was retained but without the dirt and sun damage.