Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/28/2008

Question
QUESTION:  Dear Eileen.  We have acquired a beutifull Amish made Hutch.  The only problem is that it is stained too dark for our house.  How should I strip it and re-stain ?   Should I use a conversion varnish topcoat ?

ANSWER: Hi Brian
Nice to hear from you.
I need some more info before I answer this Brian.
Don't want to set you in the wrong direction.
So..Is this piece new or an antique?
   What type of wood is it made from?
   Do you know what finish is currently on this piece?
   If you can't ID the wood, at least let me know if its hardwood or softwood (softwood is easily dented with a fingernail)
Get back to me.
I will be online later this evening.
Regards
Eileen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Eileen

It si Oak and approx two years old,  It has a very durable finish called rocking oak

Answer
Hi Brian
Thanks for the further info.
While I have never heard of "rocking oak" finish, I suspect this will be a lacquer.
The hard part will be removing it.
Brian before any attempt is made at fully stripping this piece you must do a test area.
Some of these new lacquer finishes are almost impossible to remove.
I would test inside a door for instance (a place that won't show).
You may luck out and find the finish easily comes off with paint stripper.
I have also had to resort to using lacquer thinner when paint stripper fails.
If you get the finish off, the next problem is going to be going from a dark stain to a light one.
Here again I cannot be too hopeful of success.
I am guessing you could have some type of dye stain which is very hard to remove without bleaching the wood, or once again you could luck out and find the color was actually right in the lacquer finish.
So you see why a test is imperative.
If you can get both the color and the finish off, you are good to go for a complete refinish.
Certainly a job you can handle with a few instructions.
I would try the stripper first, but it must be the correct kind.
Heres the one I use

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1694&familyN

So after the test is complete, get back to me.
I am very happy to help in any way.
Regards
Eileen
PS..you asked about conversion varnish as the finish.
Personally I do not feel this would be a good finish for this piece, but thats only one opinion..for what its worth.