I was wondering if the "tiger stripe" pattern, that I have seen on alot of older wood furniture would be an original finish. Looking at it close it looks as if a wood grain has been combed on with a varnish or stain. I have come across this alot in my search for older furniture and would love it if some one could shead some light on it...As I am still learning all of this wonderfull stuff..
Thanks everyone!

Hello,

it is hard to say for sure without seeing the piece.. But true mission furniture was made from quartered oak (most of it was) however there were some lower quality pieces that were 'grained'. They would use a lower quality, and most often a soft wood, and appply the tiger stripes. In this case the finish would have a 'painted on' look. You will see alot of this furniture in antique stores and such.. as most mission furniture does not 'sit around' for very long due to the higher demand.

With this finish method, a darker 'glaze' was applied to the wood, and 'feathered' to look like oak.

After you have seen a few pieces like this, you will pick up pretty fast on the grained pieces. When in doubt, look at the back side of a drawer face, or the inside of a panel.. for the quartered flakes. This is a pretty good indication of a 'true quartered oak piece' as they most often did not take the time to grain the inside of the panels and such.

Thanks for the great info. I do not care for the tiger stripe look myself, it looks to artifical. Now, would it be wrong or damaging to a piece to strip this finish off? Just wondering as I am on a limited budget and have seen some items with this finish and they are in my price range, and aside from the "tiger stripes" it is a nice piece of furniture. I dont mind the extra elbow greece, but I do not want to damage anything either.
Thanks everyone

I have stripped pieces like this before. Chances are you will end up with a very neutral and light colored wood. And maybe have a little of the black grain paint still on the wood (it can be sanded off ok.. )

thanks..

Mel, I have travelled to Grease, loved it.I hate elbow greece. Too Messy! Can't keep your elbow from slipping off the arm rest. Ugh!

nice...I see that now
Mabye thats my problem

Cheers