Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: Refinishing a solid cedar painted chest-already stripped with Stripeze, and now need to go back and get deeper penetrated wood stains out.  I am trying citistrip this time, after trying to sand and getting much clogged sandpaper.  Help!  Any suggestions appreciated!

ANSWER: Hi Mary
Nice to hear from you.
I am going to assume all the paint is gone..right?
And you are now trying to remove the stain color..right?
If thats the case you are making a mistake in trying to remove the stain color.
This cannot be removed nor would we want to remove it.
And get rid of the sandpaper LOL.
I know this all sounds odd Mary but thats the way it is.
A lot of folks think the wood must look like brand new and resort to agressive sanding as you have.
The end result is a ruined antique.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen


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

QUESTION: Yes to both of your questions, but I was afraid the stain color might still be stripper.  No sanding at all?  What finish would you suggest?  Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi again Mary
Correct..no sanding at all LOL.
The only time we sand is to remove wood damage.
And there is a difference between wood damage and "age spots".
All the indications that the piece has been loving used over the years are age spots. I'm starting to get them LOL.
Mary the best finish for us do it yourselfers is tung oil.
Its fool proof and easy to apply.
You just wipe it on with a rag. Several coats.
The beauty of this finish is you can wipe on a coat every 6 months or yearly to freshen the finish and no surface prep is needed.
And you will want to apply a stain before you apply the oil.
Get back to me any time you need help.
Regards
Eileen