Antique clock restoration help

[Robrien]

I have an old clock, the case of which has a walnut veneer which some joker has had a bash at varnishing with what looks like a proprietary polyurethane clear varnish - plenty of brush marks! Plenty of dirt specks! Uneven coverage etc etc.

What would be the best way of getting this gunk off without damaging the walnut veneer and would I be best just waxing afterwards or using something like Colron French Polish?

 

[foxhole]

If it's worth doing pay a professional restorer.

 

[Robrien]

Of course I am aware that I could hand the project over to a professional, but this is, after all, a DIY forum, not Yellow Pages!

 

[ladylola]

If it's varnish you may find it has been applied over a waxed finish considering it's an old clock case. Try a nylon scourer and rub lightly in an inconspicuious place. This may well loosen the varnish, it's worked for me on a couple of occasions. If that doesn't work move on to the soft stainless scourers found in the kitchen maybe moistened with terpentine.

 

[Robrien]

Thanks for all the tips.
It turns out that someone had tried to "spruce it up" with a clear lacquer which was not at all even.
I used nail varnish remover to take the lacquer off - which it did very successfully in one wipe - then bought a tin of Colron French polish and am currently building the layers ...... Looking good!