My new virtual bud and soon to be Austinite Rosie just sent me an email brimming with urgency, and when I saw the item in question my head almost exploded. Check it:
“Looking for some sound advice: I bought the attached chrome/mirrored sideboard on Ebay, and was chagrined to find that the seller left out some condition details: there’s a light coating of hardened schmutz in various spots on the doors (Actually somewhat visible in the pic). I tried to scrape it off (bad idea) and am considering Goof-off, but am nervous about using it. Any other ideas?”
First of all, ZOMG! Did you really just buy that? Because I feel like it should belong to me…
It sure looks a lot like the mirrored credenza in one of my favorite rooms of all time, designed by Laura Day. I also feel like I have seen this beaut in another prominently featured interior, but I can’t remember where… if you know what I’m prattling on about, send me a link and I’ll post the pic. You will also receive my eternal gratitude for rescuing me from an Alzheimersish haze.
Ok, back to the matter at hand.
So I am having issues focusing on Rosie’s request for help because I can’t see through my angry tears of envy, but I’m going to try my best. First of all, do not scrape! The surface is fragile and can be scratched. Rosie says that the goo is mostly on the chrome parts, so she might have luck buffing it out with a balled up piece of foil, but I’m not an expert.
I know several of you out there have knowledge in this area, so if you know how to return this gorgeous hunk of bling to its pristine glory, let us know.
Meanwhile, I am going to try to figure out how to steal something for which there is no known location…
Rosie, maybe you better not move to Austin, after all.
Wow, you know I just bought my own credenza, that I really don’t need by the way–but I suffer from Erin syndrome–I can’t control myself, and now I share your envy for Rosie’s. This is fabulous. I in fact have no expertise in this area, but I would try the Goo Gone. It’s fabulous at removing sticky muckety-muck and I have had all kinds of success with it.
Erin: you are utterly fabulous. Thanks much for your open call to remedy my chrome woes.
DC community: I know how to buy ‘em, but I usually have no clue how to fix ‘em. Your ideas are highly appreciated!
Thanks, nkp! Did you use Goo Gone or Goof Off? Just want to make sure…
I guess I am going to answer a question with a question.
What kind of gunk are we talking about? I might try boiling water and pouring it on a rag and then holding that on the spot to see if you can loosen it. Instead of scraping with something like a razor blade, try an old credit card (or one of the ones you get in junk mail) or one of those hard plastic pot scrapers. The combination should be gentle enough to not destroy anything.
Please keep in mind, of course, that I don’t have your awesome console, nor do I have extensive experience in cleaning it. But that’s where I’d start.
My other tip, once you’re just cleaning it, is to use Sprayway window/mirror cleaner. It’s my fave.
Hey guys! Love the credenza. When I got my own from Ebay, it had tape on it holding the doors shut. If the goo is anything like tape residue, or sticky, you can use fingernail polish remover (acetone) or rubbing alcohol without hurting mirror or chrome. Good luck, it’s gorgeous!
-elizabeth (modern24seven.blogspot.com)
Rebecca: Great tips all. Loving the credit card idea. Why did I have to go and brandish a razorblade right out-the-gate? The gunk in question is a cross between glue, paint and old tape…very thin in some spots.
Thanks very much!
Elizabeth: Another great idea. Much appreciated!
Goo Gone, Rosie. I just double checked my bottle to be certain. I’ve used it on all sorts of surfaces. It’s smelly stuff, but claims to be safe even on carpet and clothing and it’s especially good on sticky types of messes.
I would try Noxon on the chrome areas….it cuts through grime and buffs out super shiny with a soft cloth….I used foil with cola to remove rust on pitted chrome, but this sounds like more of a cleaning issue?
WOW, I’m glad I didn’t see that first, because I for sure would have bought it and its the last thing I need right now. But what a special piece! No advice, but I can offer you two thumbs up. Not very helpful, huh?
ModFruGal: Yes, it’s definitely more of a cleaning issue. No rust or pitting.
So many options now. Thanks to you all!
Naomi: Thumbs up appreciated!
I really cannot add to the suggestions, however I am teary myself over this fab find!! Congrats!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
try a kneaded eraser-the kind you get at an art store.
http://www.dickblick.com/products/design-kneaded-rubber-erasers/
my favorite goo remover is good ol WD40. also- nail polish remover can work on some things (NOT PLASTIC if it’s the acetone variety) and lighter fluid can work wonders removing sticky icky (hehe) off of things.. i like the method of soaking a papertowel with one of the above and laying the papertowel on the sticky substance and then waiting about 15-20 mintes (be patients!) and then ZAMMO. sticky stuff gone.
Goo Gone is my ‘go to’ cleaner. Test it on a tiny, unobtrusive spot, first, to be sure.
Wow, what a gorgeous find!
Truly appreciate all the ideas. Now I need to to roll up the ole sleeves!
my advice as someone who has ruined *many* a vintage item in my day by trying to clean them, is to live with this gorgeous beauty as is, and chalk up whatever residue is on it as beautiful patina.
if you MUST try to clean, goo gone is the only thing mentioned that won’t harm it. if it has a lacquer finish, many of the other solutions can dissolve it, or rub is off, leaving you with a unsightly mess.
seriously, if goo gone doesn’t work, don’t try anything else, including windex- you will HATE yourself if you make it worse, and as i said, since i’ve ruined some beauteous things in my younger days, i know living with the guilt is harder then living with some schmutz on your fab credenza.
ps- judging by the hardware/style, i’d imagine your credenza is by ello.
i am quite certain i could (and should) rub my “special” juices on it and those spots would disappear. tell her to send it over.
Christian, only you would know the maker of this fine piece! You are a walking encyclopedia of beautiful furniture, sir.
Jenny, I’m sure your special sauce would clean this hottie up, pronto.
Christian, you clever little so-and-so: aren’t you ever right…
http://www.rerevival.com/archive/p3/furniture/ello_chrome_credenza.htm
I am so, so jealous. That piece is utterly stunning. Try mayonnaise. Yep, old white trash southerners’ trick for water ring and gunk removal. Just smear on some thick mayo and leave it awhile. Then come back and gently scrape. If that doesn’t work, try something stronger.
Orange peel works well to remove gunk (the right side out)
I. Want. That. Piece.
Connie, it would be kind of perfect in your house…
Here is one for you, Erin http://denver.craigslist.org/fud/2202712922.html
Dizang, that is sexxxy! But, whoa, holy deep pockets… let’s just say Rosie spent way, way less on hers. Lucky girl.
Anna, if you live in Denver and are a high roller, you should snatch that puppy up!
Hi … I have two similar credenzas made by Ello and both are from the ’70s. The mirrored one I have was $315 on craigslist, or the exact same one goes for $7K right now on 1stdibs. I think the one shown above is also an Ello. They are still around but seemingly made the best credenzas in the last century. Made in Rockford, IL.
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa????
How did I miss this post (slaps herself as she types)?!!!
That Laura Day room is officially my favorite room of all time and I think yes, that this gal shouldn’t move to Austin lest you do something rash.
Hello credenza lurve. Erin, you need to reprimand me harshly when I miss this sort of bloggy wealth.
Nero needs to be spanked.
Alcira
nerochronicles.com
Just finally stole some time to work on an illustration with chevrons, they’ve only been on my inspiration board for months. Love your piece- it’s gorgeous. Love the Laura Day room as well. Both are calling my name.
Hi,
there is something else very intriguing in this picture – the round golden table in the middle! Where can I buy one? I just have to have one…
Hi Tiina, it’s by Silas Seandel and it’s very $$$!