Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/31/2009

Question
We have an antique sideboard that is a beautiful pieceand have not been able to get information on it's vintage or origin. We love the piece but it is in desperate need of restoration. It is 100% solid wood with veneer. All joints and drawers are tight and in very good condition.
Ths scary part about this piece is that it is very ornate with the carvings and we are afraid we will not be able to strip the carfed areas adequately. Any advice?  

Answer
Hi Cliff
Nice to hear from you.
Stripping these carved areas is no different than stripping the rest of your lovely sideboard. It just takes a bit longer.
I am including for you the stripping info.
For the carvings, we use old brushes. Toothbrushes are great. Do not use those metal type brushes they sell for stripping. They can damage the wood and turn it black.
A vegetable brush is also great for your job.
It may take several applications of stripper with brushing in between but thats the way it is.
Never attempt to sand these areas. Just the brushes and stripper is all thats needed.
The correct stripper is a must. Its included in the instructions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STRIPPING FURNITURE
The first thing you must do is assemble the material to do the job.
The stripper is the most important item.  
I am hoping you can get "CIRCA 1850" brand paint and varnish remover in your area.
Here is a link
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1694&familyN...
If this brand is not available ask for an mc stripper which is what the Circa is but it comes in other brand names.

MATERIAL LIST For the stripping stage.
1 gallon stripper
3 boxes of Bull Dog steel wool in medium grade.
One 3 inch oil based paint brush.
Rubber gloves (like you do dishes with), and a pair of cotton gloves inside the rubber ones.
People react differently to stripper. A lot of people feel heat through the rubber gloves, but I feel cold. Have no idea why.
An empty large coffee can. (for the stripper)
A couple of old tooth brushes.
Lots of old rags (I like t-shirts or cotton but for this first stage whatever you have)
Lots of newspaper to protect the garage floor
LOTS OF VENTILATION..A MUST
That's all you need to get started.
HERES WHAT YOU DO...
Work in sections.
Brush on the stripper with the brush. Stripper will quit working if it dries, so keep it wet till the finish softens.
Then take a rag and wipe this mess off.
Then another coat of stripper, rag off again, then while the wood is still wet, take the steel wool and rub with the grain till the wood is nice and clean.
Depending on the material you are removing, another coat of stripper is often needed but you will know this as you progress into the job.
Use the toothbrush in crevices.
Thats all there is to it ...move to another section and continue.
No other prep is necessary...and DO NOT SAND either the carvings or cabinet.
When the stripping is complete, stain with Minwax stain applied with a rag, then 3 or 4 coats of low lustre tung oil also applied with a rag.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Happy New Year
Eileen