Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/27/2008

Question
the head & foot boards are in need of refinishing.  I want to know how to do it so I don't do more damage than good.  Someone started this job with steel wool and ?.  I was told it is mahogany with some kind of oil finish(?).  The piece is beautifully made but hasn't been treated well.

Answer
Hi Karen
Nice to hear from you.
Sounds like anything you do now will only improve things.
And it sounds to me like the piece needs proper stripping and a new finish applied.
Here are my standard stripping instructions which apply to your bed.
I know you stated this is an oil finish? but unless the piece has been previously refinished it will not be.
Even if it is, the instructions apply.

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.
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 (sanding will ruin this piece)
When the stripping is complete, stain with Minwax stain applied with a rag, then 3 coats of low lustre tung oil also applied with a rag.  
Karen this is not a big job. I don't know if you have ever done this type of thing before but its a good place to start. Just take your time.
And any damage that will be done has already happened when someone removed the original finish.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Regards
Eileen