How to clean paint splatter and transfer off of antique mahogany

I bought an 19th century chair online because I liked its design, and haven't seen anything similar to it in a local store. The seller sold it through a well-known online platform, posted a ton of pictures, and responded to my questions (through the platform) about condition, damage, etc. All was good, so I bought it. Shipping was rather pricey, but I was wiling to pay it, because it was supposed to be excellent shipping that packed the chair really securely, and it is being shipped across the US.

The driver who is the shipper just called me that he is on the way, and will be arriving with the chair tomorrow afternoon. I asked about the chair, etc. He said when he picked it up, it was at the seller's apartment, not at a commercial business. The seller was supposedly out of town, so her friend let in the driver. The chair had been placed right next to a wall, and, as a result, there is apparently quite a lot of white paint transfer and even splatter in apparently rather copious amounts on the back of the chair. The driver noticed the paint, and he said the seller's friend started to scratch the paint off with her fingernail, so he told her to stop doing that. He said he took a lot of photos. The leather upholstery is also apparently lifting up, something not disclosed either or shown in photos.

I obviously haven't seen the chair in person yet, but there is absolutely no paint shown on the back of the chair in the listing photos, and certainly none disclosed in my correspondence with the seller. The driver said that this can be rather common, that people take photos of an item for sale, and they bring the item home or to a storage unit, where it gets damage etc. He also said the chair was not wrapped up by the seller; it's just tethered down with rubber bands on a moving blanket. That is, there are no packing materials either. He also thought there were a lot of scratches on the chair. The online site charged approximately twice for shipping than what he is being paid.

Obviously I'll thoroughly check it out when he arrives tomorrow, and I'm glad he gave me the heads-up on its true condition. That give me the chance to ask you all for advice.

My question is, assuming it is as he describes, and it's house paint transfer or splatters on the wood itself, how would you remove it? What product? Also, would you use 0000 steel wool, a microfiber cloth, etc.?

What products do you use to clean and treat old mahogany furniture? That is, assuming the paint comes off okay, what should I use for ongoing maintenance? I have a number of antique chairs, one of which is over 200 years old, but I believe they are mostly oak or walnut.

Does it make a difference whether it's mahogany veneer or solid mahogany?

I understand and appreciate age-appropriate wear and patina. I'm not, however, okay with undisclosed damage and paint splatters, as I specifically took condition into account when buying the chair.

If this is something relatively simple to remedy, which I hope, that would be super helpful.

Thank you!

 

Latex paint can be removed with water. Pray it is not enamel.

 

I am glad the driver told you exactly what he found.

I don't know what it is like where you live, but overhere you don't have to accept it if it is not as described and agreed to. There are two issues with this chair that were not disclosed or shown.
Even if paint was spillt on the chair during the absence of the seller, I think it is likely that the issue with the leather upholstery was already present while the seller was still there.
Overhere, both issue are reasons not to accept it.

 

Latex paint usually comes off pretty easily. Soften it with a little furniture polish or an oil-soap solution and chip it off. A fingernail is not the worse method of chipping it off. Otherwise, a soft wood splint is my go-to for this. I would not use a metal scraper unless absolutely necessary. I sometimes use an x-acto knife so that I can have minute control. Steel wool can be used afterwards if you need to even out the finish. If you need to add more finish, a tung-oil varnish would be appropriate and easy to apply with a rag.

For on-going maintenance, it really depends on the condition to begin with. If it needs cleaning, a solution of oil-soap, well wrung from a rag, should do the trick. If the finish is dry and/or patchy. The tung-oil varnish will help it. It may take several coats to get a uniform finish. Once the finish is in good condition, protect it with a furniture paste wax.

Really doesn't matter whether solid or veneer. You just don't want to get veneers too wet, as they can raise. If well adhered, you don't usually need to worry about veneers unless doing something drastic (stripping, sanding, etc.).

 

Thanks. I didn’t see that the sales platform gave me an option to reject it. So, I followed their directions and sent a grievance claim. I’ll see what their response is. I haven’t tried to remove the paint yet.

There is paint on the back on both sides, as well as some veneer actually scratched off. Fortunately the damage is on the back only.

 

Well, this is upsetting, but the chair looks totally fake. It is clearly not “late 19th century’ from the UK as said in the listing. It is very clearly a newly-made chair, from the lack of wear, construction, materials, etc.

I ordered it in late June, and the shipping company had 3 weeks to pick it up. I am hosting a large anniversary party at my house in a couple of hours, and when the chair was delivered we were literally picking up out of state guests from the airport. We have relatives from out of state too, so we were literally with them entertaining past 11 p.m. last night. It looks brand new. My 21-year old son was here to get the chair from the shipper. I can’t believe I was defrauded so badly.

 

That is terrible, I hope you get your money back.

 

If the paint is recent latex, start with the gentlest methods—a damp microfiber cloth, then a wooden toothpick or plastic scraper; avoid steel wool or harsh solvents until you know the finish, as they can permanently damage antique mahogany.
Inspect the chair carefully on arrival and document everything, since undisclosed damage and poor packing may justify filing a claim with the seller or the marketplace before attempting any restoration.

 

Sorry to hear about this, @Sedona .

And I hope at least the anniversary party went well.

 

I hope it went on a credit card. I would dispute it. Item clearly not described in truth. Was the driver able to share the pictures and if possible I would reach out to him for a statement. I’m so sorry this happened to you and I hope you were able to enjoy your party.