Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/26/2008

Question
I have a dark walnut stained vanity but I like the waterfall vanities that show the different grains and colours. Can I strip this piece, and stain it to bring out redder tones (to match it in with other pieces with colour variations)or is it better left dark? It doesn't seem to have been veneered with contrasting grains like many others and I assume the finish is walnut, if not the veneer.Also, what is the best product to use, and what technique?

Answer
Hi Terri
Nice to hear from you.
You can certainly strip this finish off and restain and apply a new finish.
These pieces strip and refinish beautifully in my opinion.
In my opinion, they also clean up very well.
A lot of this dark color could just be grime from over the years.
So the method I first recommend is easy and if its still too dark for you there is no harm done and you can proceed to strip and refinish after.
Get a can of Mineral Spirits (sold as varsol in Canada).
Get a box of fine steel wool too.
Dip the steel wool in the spirits and give the piece a good scrub.
Try always to work with the grain of the wood.
Dry with clean rags as you go.
Then rub on a coat of low luster tung oil with a rag.
I think you will like the result.
Good Luck and great question.
Regards
Eileen