Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/1/2008

Question
I have an Amish Red Oak round table that I purchased approximately 25 years ago.  The table has family markings, scratches, dents that I don't mind.  However, recently, the table began to be wiped with those clorox type wipes for countertops.  This has completely ruined the finish.  It is rough in some spots and sticky in others.  In the past, the table has shown water rings that have dried up overnight, so I'm fairly certain it did not have a waterproof finish.  Maybe some kind of oil or wax finish.  Can you tell me how to strip/refinish this type of table please?
Thanks for your help.
Linda

Answer
Hi Linda
Nice to hear from you.
I am hearing about lots of ruined finishes from these wipes.
I have never bought them and don't think I want to now LOL.
Here are my instructions for finishing your table.
Good Luck.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STRIPPING FURNITURE
The first thing you must do is assemble the material to do the job.
The stripper is the most important item.  
I am hoping you can get "CIRCA 1850" brand paint and varnish remover in your area.
Here is a link
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1694&familyN...

MATERIAL LIST For the stripping stage.
1 gallon stripper
3 boxes of Bull Dog steel wool in medium grade.
One 3 inch oil based paint brush.
Rubber gloves (like you do dishes with), and a pair of cotton gloves inside the rubber ones.
People react differently to stripper. A lot of people feel heat through the rubber gloves, but I feel cold. Have no idea why.
An empty large coffee can. (for the stripper)
A couple of old tooth brushes.
Lots of old rags (I like t-shirts or cotton but for this first stage whatever you have)
Lots of newspaper to protect the garage floor
LOTS OF VENTILATION..A MUST
That's all you need to get started.
HERES WHAT YOU DO...
Work in sections.
Brush on the stripper with the brush. Stripper will quit working if it dries, so keep it wet till the finish softens.
Then take a rag and wipe this mess off.
Then another coat of stripper, rag off again, then while the wood is still wet, take the steel wool and rub with the grain till the wood is nice and clean.
Depending on the material you are removing, another coat of stripper is often needed but you will know this as you progress into the job.
Use the toothbrush in crevices.
Thats all there is to it ...move to another section and continue.
No other prep is necessary...and DO NOT SAND
When the stripping is complete, stain with Minwax stain applied with a rag, then 3 coats of Minwax fast drying waterbased poly in satin sheen (you do not want a high shine on a table top).
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Regards
Eileen