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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Removing stain from a china hutch-restaining

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Expert: - 8/20/2008


Question
My mother-in-law gave me her china hutch. It's a very dark color called "Spanish Moss" (Sears Stain). I wanted to re-stain it a lighter color if possible. Is it possible to strip the old stain or do I need to sand it down? I don't want to damage the furniture but I don't think it will come off without sanding. Any advice would be great. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Carrie
Nice to hear from you.
Do not even think about sanding this finish (or any finish) off in order to restain.
It just doesn't work and you can do irreparable damage to old furniture.
A finish must be removed with paint and varnish remover in order to restain.
But Carrie I urge you to find out what kind of wood this piece is made from before you start stripping.
Its not as easy as saying "I want to go from dark to light."
Sometimes its just not possible to achieve.
Any chance of a picture so I can possible help more?
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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