Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/striping woodwork

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Expert: - 4/9/2008


Question
I am striping the woodwork in a 1901 farmhouse.  I have striped the paint with a heatgun, and it came off like butter.    I am left with what i am guessing is a lacquer residue.  My question is, how do I get the residue off without removing the beautiful yellow-orange patina that matches the unpainted woodwork

Answer
Hi Tim
Nice to hear from you.
If this is in fact a lacquer residue, it can be removed with lacquer thinner.
But I am thinking this would not be lacquer on wood this old.
But try the thinner first, just a tiny test area.
If that fails use denatured alcohol as I feel this is probably shellac.
Get back if needed
Regards
Eileen

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

Experience

I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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