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Steve,
If you’ve concluded that stripping and re-finishing is not an option, the best and safest way to restore the shine of your Zenith is good old-fashioned elbow grease. Although the ‘old school’ way of doing it involves mineral spirits and 0000 (Super, or Very Fine) steel wool, I’ve been using Simple Green, which is very gentle and not as smelly.
If you have loose or lifting veneer, tack that back down with Elmers and put a weight on it. When you have a (relatively) smooth surface, wash the cabinet down with Simple Green and clean (cotton) rags. Q-Tips work well on corners and crevices.
When you’re ready to start rubbing, use the cleaning agent and the wool, gently rubbing in the direction of the grain. Use caution on a spot where veneer ‘edges’ are present. Keep working and wiping, checking your progress. When the dirt and stains are gone, wipe it down again then polish it with some of that orange stuff…don’t remember what it’s called, but I love it and it smells great.
Congrats on scoring a very beautiful console! Something from that vintage is sorely missing from my collection. I’m sure it’ll be sweet once you’re finished.
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