How to bring back a mid century teak sideboard

Step by step

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   Step 1: Find out the finish

   Many factory pieces were lacquered, not oiled. Put a drop of water on a hidden spot: if it beads and the surface feels slick, it's lacquered and shouldn't be oiled. If it soaks in or darkens, it's oiled.

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   Step 2: Clean it

   Wipe it down with warm soapy water on a well wrung cloth, then mineral turps to lift old polish and grime. Dry it straight away.

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   Step 3: Lift marks on oiled teak

   Rub water marks and light scratches with 0000 steel wool and a little oil, always along the grain. Don't sand: teak veneer on these pieces is very thin.

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   Step 4: Re oil

   Wipe on a thin coat of teak or Danish oil, leave it 15 minutes and wipe off every bit of the excess. Repeat a day later. Two or three coats is plenty.

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   Step 5: For lacquered pieces

   Clean, then use a furniture reviver and a coat of clear paste wax. Touch up chips in the lacquer with a matching marker.

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   Step 6: Check the details

   Tighten handles, wax drawer runners with candle wax and check the maker's label or stamp, usually inside a drawer or on the back. Photograph it for your listing.