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Tiki bar found on road dead... almost. |
Zinctiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 11, 2010
Posts: 122 |  Posted: 2011-10-15 8:12 pm Permalink
I found this bar on the sidewalk waiting for the garbage truck. Couldn't let it go that way. Although I plan to make my own large bar for a decent sized room, this thing cried out for help. I removed a lot of white spray paint from the front using acetone in a spray bottle and a toothbrush taped to a sabre saw (highly recommended for removing paint from difficult recessed areas) without further damaging the finish. Sanded the few remains of finish off the top, which was probably in the worst shape. The wood has a nice grain.
I'm not quite sure where to go from here though. Maybe match the stain then lacquer? Any suggestions? Has anyone restored something this worn out?
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[ This Message was edited by: Zinctiki 2011-10-15 20:25 ]
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MadDogMike
Grand Member (8 years) 
Joined: Mar 30, 2008
Posts: 8554
From: The Anvil of the Sun
| Posted: 2011-10-15 9:05 pm Permalink
Toothbrush on a jigsaw - brilliant!
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VampiressRN
Grand Member (8 years)
Joined: Nov 23, 2006
Posts: 6141
From: Sun City Lincoln Hills (NorCal)
| Posted: 2011-10-15 9:07 pm Permalink
It looks like it has good bones...and free...good save. Sorry, no help from me but post pictures when you finish it. Seems like the same dark stain would be advisable.
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ErkNoLikeFire
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 07, 2010
Posts: 433
From: Michigan
| Posted: 2011-10-15 9:07 pm Permalink
I refinshed a chair last summer that was in rough shape. Not as rough as this, but close. I sanded it down, stained it and then varnished the hell out of it. I didn't try to match the stain since I didn't like the color. If you want to preserve the color of the bar as is, then you may need to do a lot of color matching, maybe on the bottom to find the right shade of stain, then apply two or three coats of the varnish.
....and a fantastic find by the way!
[ This Message was edited by: ErkNoLikeFire 2011-10-15 21:08 ]
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tikiskip
Grand Member (8 years)
Joined: Nov 26, 2005
Posts: 4401 | Posted: 2011-10-16 06:04 am Permalink
I like it like it is.
The top could use some help.
In a dark tiki bar the old look of it is just right.
But if you wanted you could shellac it.
Do test spots on the back side legs to see if you like the results.
The shellac will blend in the worn out areas.
Use the amber on the far right of photo.
Nice bar!!!
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Zinctiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 11, 2010
Posts: 122 | Posted: 2011-10-17 08:52 am Permalink
Thank you all for responding. I'll try the Shellac, it sounds relatively quick - and I have zero free time.
The remaining bits of finish have since been removed from the top railing, practically by rubbing by hand. It was almost dangerous how the hard slivers would fall off or jab the fingers. The rest I hope to preserve under the Shellac. Thanks for the suggestions, ErkNoLikeFire and tikiskip!
I'll test underneath the bar to decide.
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[ This Message was edited by: Zinctiki 2011-10-17 09:14 ]
[ This Message was edited by: Zinctiki 2011-10-17 09:15 ]
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Thruliquidspace
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Dec 17, 2010
Posts: 21 | Posted: 2011-10-18 7:21 pm Permalink
That's a hell of a dumpster dive my friend. Can't wait to see it when you refinish
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Zinctiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 11, 2010
Posts: 122 | Posted: 2011-10-22 5:11 pm Permalink
I did some more work on it today. Still looking for a decent stain for rough areas. The amber shellac looks good, though.
In the meantime I stumbled upon this life-size mermaid coffee table, a guy down the street decided to move and sell everything. $10 was fair I thought. It was also very rough, the paint was sloppy '80s pastels that were chipped and over-sprayed everywhere. I painted her gloss black and intend to sand then highlight her next. The artist isn't bad. I hope she turns out okay 
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Chuck Tatum is Tiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: May 12, 2011
Posts: 1674
From: Southern Cailifornia
| Posted: 2011-10-22 7:10 pm Permalink
Your killing me! how are you finding this stuff.
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ErkNoLikeFire
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 07, 2010
Posts: 433
From: Michigan
| Posted: 2011-10-22 8:06 pm Permalink
You paid $10? I'll give ya $20. That's twice the profit (in low annoying voice)
Seriously jealous on that find, good job sir!!
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Zinctiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 11, 2010
Posts: 122 | Posted: 2011-10-22 10:11 pm Permalink
Chuck: Honestly, I have a retired neighbor friend who is a full-time bargain hunter. After casually mentioning my passion for tiki and oceanic arts, she's been like a tiki bloodhound finding these things as well as tiki mugs and other gems for me. Everyone should have such a good neighbor.
ErkNoLikeFire: When I'm finished restoring it I may have to pay someone to take it away!
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MadDogMike
Grand Member (8 years)
Joined: Mar 30, 2008
Posts: 8554
From: The Anvil of the Sun
| Posted: 2011-10-22 10:26 pm Permalink
Nice mermaid, is carved wood or a cast material like resin or plaster?
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Chuck Tatum is Tiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: May 12, 2011
Posts: 1674
From: Southern Cailifornia
| Posted: 2011-10-22 10:48 pm Permalink
I need me one of those "neighbor bargain hunter's" lets see what you fiend next?
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Zinctiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 11, 2010
Posts: 122 | Posted: 2011-10-22 11:04 pm Permalink
Mike: Both plaster and fiberglass I think. Top has plaster and some iron rod showing, underneath is certainly fiberglass. Go figure.
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tikigik
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Oct 25, 2005
Posts: 119
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
| Posted: 2011-10-23 06:11 am Permalink
WOW! All I can say is WOW!
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