Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/9/2008

Question
I have 5 roblewood chairs that were oil stained instead of sanding and teak oil.  How can I remove this dark brown oil stain.  Will my chairs ever be restored to their original beautiful roblewood?

Answer
Hi Again Sue
Both the strippers are gel.
Personally I would just buy the cheapest if you can get either.
I am in Canada and the darn stuff here is 40.00 a gallon (4 liters actually as we use metric measure) plus 14 % tax.
I know its cheaper in the States.
But you definately need a gel stripper for chairs.
Many thanks for the great ratings. It makes helping others worthwhile.
Good Luck


Hi Sue
Nice to hear from you.
I feel your chairs can be restored but it will take a bit of work.
While I have never personally owned anything made from this wood, I do know its a hardwood and takes a color well.
Very similar to teak I understand.
So the chairs must be stripped of everything on them.
You will need paint stripper for this and I suggest a good one like this.
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1694&familyN...

There is no way you can sand this stain off, and you could ruin your chairs in the process.
Just use the stripper named.
Nothing else. No after wash or neutralizing is required with this product.
And absolutely no sanding.
Then apply your oil.
A big job but if you really want the chairs as they should be its worth it.
And you know Sue if you just set a goal of stripping one chair a day it will go fast.
Kind Regards
Eileen
PS..get back to me if you need detailed stripping info