Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/21/2008

Question
I used Circa 1850 to try and strip mt table top today and it lifted about 75% of the old finish, I hit it three times to get to this stage.
Should I consider another product , continue applying this product , or start sanding?
I tried a 220 grit and it is not touching the areas that remain covered with the old finish.

Answer
Hi Dave
You will not get a stronger stripper than the Circa.
Its not unusual to have to apply multiple coats of stripper on occasion.
Is this multiple coats of paint or a clear finish.
If its a clear finish I suspect you have lacquer which can often be difficult to remove.
And multiple coats of paint can be a bugger too.
So don't give up on the stripper and leave the sandpaper alone.
Do you know that the stripper quits working if it dries?
So keep it wet by adding more.
When I have multiple coats of finish to remove I will often resort to a heat gun to get a lot of it. Then follow up with the stripper.
Dave what you are running into is the reason most folks give up on this wonderful hobby so please do not be discouraged.
And keep in mind what you are experiencing does not happen with every stripping job we do, but it happens.
Keep me posted
Regards
Eileen