a card box

[CanadianScroller]

Someone just gave me an old cutlery box with a very scratched up finish.
I am going to take the linings out of the box and put in some dividers for my sons Magic cards.

I am looking for suggestions on refinishing.
The box has solid mahogany sides, I am not sure of the top, it may be mahogany ply.
I was thinking of putting the Magic logo on it somehow. I really dont want to make pierced cuts.
I dont mind an inlay, or maybe an applique, or even pyrography, although I like I said the top may contain veneers.

Any suggestions?

[Jediscroller]

Carl,
As far as the refinishing side, I'd suggest trying Formby's Refinisher and/or stripper. It'll take down the finish without the wood. Depending on how deep the scratches are, this may be all you need. As far as the top, if it is veneers, I'd go with the applique. Otherwise you may have to contend with chip out (especially if they're very thin veneers).

My 2 cents (1.67 cents Canadian) worth.

Kevin

[CanadianScroller]

Thanks Kevin
hey the money is getting closer. 1.76 cents this morning

I remember back in the 70's the Canadian dollar had edged over the US dollar, But boy have we been paying for it ever since!

One thing that does drive me nuts is the pricing of magazines.
I know it is probably to keep the magazine industries in both countries balanced but it is a pet peeve. sometimes the difference is over 20%.

And I guess softwood is a toboo topic

[Magpie]

I made some Magic card boxes by taking the card wrappers and decoupaging them all over the top, which my son loved. I also recently saw a card box with a stained glass inset in the top, which I'm dying to try

[SharonW0111]

Carl -- now listen up and I think you and your son will be happy with the results. get your sandpaper out of the drawer and sand the finish and get those scratches out or at least reduced- depending on how deep they are. Leave on the old finish as this is like a antique technicque I'v used a lot and always had good results. But sand it down as much as possible to just leave the grain filled..
Now pick out a nice pattern that goes with magic -- say like a wizard --
and pyrography it on the top -- maybe a open spanded hand of cards on the side or a magic wand -- even a crysstal ball or a gypsy fortune teller -- just something to keep it magic.
The thin veneer on top would be perfect for this and the wood grain will stand out also.
Now give it a little highlight with oil pencils --just the highlights and blend it into the wood with a Q tip or blender if you have one. I use to do this on my pyrogrsaphy andd it is beautiful.
Finally give it a coat of clear satin polyuratine -
and don't forget to sign it..

Then take a picture and send it to me so I can pat you on the back.
If you are going to do this soon and don't have a wizard pattern I have one on my files- let me know and I will e mail it to you . but anything you decide would work -- but since you asked I had to add my nickels worth..
Sharon

[BobD]

I can't help, Carl...if it was Star Wars CCG, I could help <grin>

how about a Warhammer 40K box; I can also help with that!

Bob

[CanadianScroller]

I just saw a magazine on the shelf. Don't worry Bob I didn't buy it
They used water colour pencil crayons, or as you say in the US water color pencil crayons.
I would think I would have to use a non water based finish to cover them.
I may try all those suggestions, when I get time.

[SharonW0111]

Carl -- The oil pencils are just that -- made with oil just like oil paint- I use to get them and used them a lot but havent lately-- They are made by Walnut Hallow in the section with their wood burning stuff in the craft isle.. heck they may not make them any more but you just use the pencils like a crayon kind off and then rub with something warm and smooth- blends beautifully but is yet very easy to work with .
Sharon