CHI Good Questions: Heywood Wakefield Refinishing?

Max sent in a good question: I just recently came into possession of a pair of Heywood Wakefield step end tables that are in need of refinishing. Actually, the previous owner began the job, but gave up after sanding down the horizontal surfaces, leaving the legs with their original wheat finish. I'd ultimately like to match the original finish, and I was hoping some fellow A.T. readers might have some advice on how to do so.

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
chicago(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

Bar that, I'd also entertain taking them to a pro, especially if there is anyone in the Chicagoland area with Hey-Wake experience.

We know that Springdale (located in Three Oaks, Michigan) does extensive Heywood Wakefield refinishing, so if you end up going the pro route (and are up for a day trip) they might be worth a look

...but let's open it up to the AT DIY contingent first...can anyone share advice with Max for refinishing his new tables?

Comments (5)

I love H-W furniture and have researched it a little -- the actual company doesn't sell the stain, so you have to find a reasonable approximation. My boyfriend just redid a Heywood table with the lightest color of Minwax's stain (Honey Pine might be the name?) that we could find at Home Depot. Two coats has made the table shiny and the perfect glowy yellow to rival the factory Champagne finish. Three coats might get you to Wheat.

Good luck! Those tables are so, so fab.

posted by sarahintex on July 8th 2008 at 8:18am
view sarahintex's profile

There is a vendor on ebay that sells a heywood wakefield refinishing kit. He claims it matches the original finish exactly. I however would not stain it at all and just clear coat it with minwax wipe-on poly (satin finish)

posted by Comicgeek on July 8th 2008 at 8:22am
view Comicgeek's profile

I have used a brand of stain called Japan Color in Raw Sienna to refinish HW furniture. It's usually available at woodworking stores.

posted by arcgrrl on July 8th 2008 at 11:18am
view arcgrrl's profile

There's a danger with actual vintage HW items, as the milky grain-filler that went under the finish is not only very hard to reproduce, but can oxidize to a random shade when exposed to the air after so long.

Consult a Wakefield expert, if possible. My grandmother's dining set looked awful after her refinisher got through with it.

posted by neutopian on July 8th 2008 at 11:52am
view neutopian's profile

I was going to mention the eBay vendor as well. He has both wheat and champagne finishes, which combine stain and a polyurethane.

FYI, the H-W champagne finish is more of a pink tint than a yellow.

posted by Shawn on July 8th 2008 at 11:54am
view Shawn's profile