Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/7/2008

Question
Hi Eileen, I have a dresser I would like to refinish.  I don't know what kind of wood it is.  Before I attempt to sand it I need to strip it.  What products do I need? Can you give me step by step advice on how to refinish?

Answer
Hi Victoria
Nice to hear from you.
It sounds like you are new to this Victoria and I hope this will be your first of many projects.
But I warn you its addictive.
You ask for step by step advice, and thats just what you'll get.
The very first step is to determine what you are dealing with as far as wood and existing finish goes.
While it makes no difference if the finish is lacquer, varnish, shellac or poly, it makes a difference if you happen to have a dresser that has been false grained.
I rarely see a piece of this false grained furniture look nice after stripping.
Most of the time the ink used in the graining will not come off.
I have also seen a lot of these same pieces that have had something I'll describe as a thin layer of plaster applied over the piece prior to the graining.
This was done I guess to make a very smooth surface to apply the graining.
Victoria you did not say how old this piece is, but if its a realatively new piece, it could have a colored lacquer on it.
While it makes no difference to the stripping like I said, it does make a big difference to the final outcome.
This colored lacquer is applied to wood that will not color any other way. Mostly maple furniture, but its applied to most things today.
So if there is any way you can get someone to tell you what you've got, please do. This will avoid dissappointment.
Next I will give you my stripping and finishing instructions.
You will note I say in these instructions DO NOT SAND.
That means just what it says.
Your dresser was sanded to perfection when it was made and it does not need more sanding.
You can ruin the look of old furniture by sanding away all the character.
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. Perhaps one side of the dresser at a time.
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.
Often a third coat of stripper may be required depending on the finish.
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 low lustre tung oil also applied with a rag.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Good Luck
Kindest Regards
Eileen