Q: I had painters in my house a few weeks ago and just noticed paint left on the sideboard in my dining room. This is beautiful cherry furniture and is part of a custom set made for me by John Landis.

A: That outdated coat could be hiding a future heirloom, but uncovering it requires both elbow grease and certain safety precautions. Test: First, check for lead in the paint, says Thomas Eberharter, ...