How to polish Parker furniture?

[Tim2515]

Hi, 

I was just wondering if anyone knew of a product to safely polish a Parker dining table. I can only find examples of people completely refinishing Parker furniture, but I've read in a few places that this isn't ideal as the original nitrocellulose finish is actually worth keeping. I did find one forum post that had the exact solution I was after, a silicone free polish containing waxes, but the product they recommended (Kiwi Marveer) has since been discontinued.

I have recently had great success polishing and even removing minor scratches and grime from an acoustic guitar finished in polyurethane using Meguiars Ultimate Compound, but I'm worried this may not be the best product for Parker furniture as it is quite abrasive and I don't know for sure that it doesn't contain silicone in one way or another, as I found a post from a Meguiars rep stating that it's technically silicone free but may contain trace amounts. I would imagine this wouldn't matter as much on a car finish, but on thin veneer that may need to be refinished in the future, it's far from ideal.

Given that the above product worked so well, I'm sure there is something out there for Parker/Mid Century timber veneer.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Tim

[AlanM52]

Hi @Tim2515,

We moved back to a inherited family home in 2004 that was built early seventies and yep... lounge and dining areas is all Parker.

My wife simply continued doing what her mum did, Mr Sheen and twice yearly furniture oil.

Same for the stair bannisters and balusters - fiddly job.

Cheers

[EricL]

Hello @Tim2515 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your Parker Furniture.

Parker furniture, known for its elegant mid-century design and use of fine timbers like teak and rosewood, deserves gentle care to preserve its finish and character. When cleaning it, the safest approach is to use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe away dust and grime, followed immediately by a dry cloth to prevent moisture from sitting on the surface. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, silicone-based sprays, or anything with ammonia or alcohol, as these can damage or dull the timber over time.

I propose looking at using bee's wax, such as Glitz 200g Beeswax Polish. Yes, it can be safe to use, but with a few important considerations. A quality furniture wax, such as beeswax or a natural paste wax specifically formulated for timber, is a good choice if used sparingly. It nourishes the wood, gives it a soft lustre, and adds a mild layer of protection without creating a glossy or artificial shine. Apply a very thin layer using a soft cloth, rub it in with the grain, and buff it off after a few minutes. Don’t use too much or too often—over-waxing can cause buildup or cloudiness, especially in the fine grain of Parker’s hand-finished pieces.

If the original finish is still intact and in good condition, stick to dry dusting and occasional light waxing (every 6–12 months) to keep the piece in top shape. If you’re unsure of the finish or suspect it’s been previously refinished, testing in a discreet spot first is always wise.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Noyade for their recommendations. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @Tim2515 

I was trying to remember what my mum uses on her Parker furniture, And then @AlanM52 filled in the blanks Pretty sure it was both of those. Tho I would try the Mr Sheen out on the underside of the table to be sure. My mum quiet possibly used what was cheapest and easiest, tho way back in the 70's when she got the table Mr sheen was all the rage.

Dave

[Tim2515]

Thanks Everyone!

@EricL , it's certainly not a showroom piece, but I suspect it is the original factory finish, at least on parts of the table, as the shop I purchased it from did say that they had chosen to simply use a wax polish to preserve the original finish, as opposed to performing a complete refinish that is more commonly required. It's an oval-shaped table, and the two folding panels in the centre appear to have been kept folded away for most of the table’s life based on their condition. In contrast, the ends show signs of a slightly more well used and potentially thicker finish, likely from occasional oiling as I've had a few people mention that it was common for owners to apply teak oil with 0000 steel wool.

I've had the piece for nearly three years now, so I like your suggestion to try a wax product as it's probably in need of a top-up, especially since water alone isn’t cutting it anymore and some areas are starting to look dull or cloudy from general wear and tear.

@AlanM52, @Dave-1 - Great suggestions and glad to hear they're based on experience that dates back to when this furniture would have been new. I've been a bit nervous to use Mr Sheen, as I saw it mentioned somewhere that it contains silicone. I will do some research to confirm whether that's actually the case, but I'm hoping it's not as once I have applied a wax polish I'm ultimately looking for a product for regular use given that the table is seeing daily usage. Hopefully there's a more specialised product for timber veneer that will do the job, maybe @Nailbag and @Noyade have some recommendations. 

[Nailbag]

Hi @Tim2515 

my folks also had original Parker furniture both dining and living room. And like @AlanM52 my Mum had always used MrSheen for about 50+ years and the timber looked sensational. And I always loved the smell. 

Nailbag

[Noyade]

Hi Tim @Tim2515 

"@Noyade have some recommendations."

Sorry mate, the only Parker I know drove Lady Penelope around in the Thunderbirds.

I grew up eating off laminex.

Mind you that table would now be worth a small fortune in the retro market - it had more chrome than a plumbing outlet.

However mum, like all mums back then used Mr Sheen on everything. I just now rummaged through our cupboard and found a can dated 1993 with one of its uses depicted as good for cleaning VCRs.

I also remember mum on her hands and knees waxing every square foot of lino in the kitchen - then using a small electric floor polisher to finish off.

Once a week.

"(Kiwi Marveer) has since been discontinued."

Another aside, has Kiwi products disappeared in Australia?

I can no longer locate Kiwi boot-polish in Coles or Woolies.

Cheers, and thanks for the memory jog gentlemen.  

Good luck with the table Tim.