What Do I Use to Renew Walnut Mahogany Molding?

Characteristics

• Walnut and mahogany are both favored for their rich colors and distinctive grains. Black walnut, native to the eastern United States, is dark brown with tight, swirling grain. It is very dense and is often used for woodwork and flooring. Mahogany comes from several tree species that are native to the tropics in the Americas. Its tight grain is wavy but not as curly as walnut's. It's amber and golden tones make it desirable for fine furniture making.

Molding

• If you have walnut or mahogany molding, you are indeed lucky. As expensive woods, they would have been installed in only the grandest homes. Both woods were popular for use in home libraries, dens and gentlemen's clubs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Walnut and mahogany were so loved, in fact, that many middle-class homeowners had their woodwork painted to mimic the real thing.

Objective

• Your objective in renewing your molding is to remove old wax, polish and the grime they hold. Stripping the existing finish from the wood is not desired as it has color and character that cannot be duplicated by a new finish. The result of your work should be woodwork that is brighter but still warm and dark.

Cleaning

• Use oil soap and warm water on a terry cloth rag to scrub away wax, oil and grime. If the grime resists, you can rub lightly with fine steel wool (0000 fine) or the abrasive back of a well-worn kitchen scrubby. Mineral spirits, as a last resort, remove the most resistant grime. Use a soft toothbrush to clean grime out of details and crevices. Don't be heavy-handed, or you might remove the original finish.

Polishing

• To restore moisture and shine to the molding, apply a wood preservative, a thick liquid made from beeswax and orange oil. Apply with a cloth, allow to soak in for 20 minutes and then wipe clean. Alternately, use old-fashioned paste wax -- clear or dark-colored -- for a harder, waxy shine. Wax products can stain flat paint and wallpaper, so be careful not to get any of the wax product on them.