Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/5/2009

Question
Hello
I have an built in oak china cabinet that I have removed from the wall and started to refinish.  I think the wood pieces were finished with varnish and are almost orange in colour.  I have already sanded a few of the pieces.  I started with 80 grit paper and gradually moved up to 150.  Most of the wood is now bare and looks great, but in some place there is still white residue in the grain of the wood.  Should I: Try rubbing chemical stripper on the wood with a cloth? Do more sanding? or Give up?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Dan
Nice to hear from you.
Never give up. This is a simple fix.
Get a can of MC stripper (ask at the hardware).
Work in sections.
Apply the stripper with a paint brush. Stripper quits working if it dries so keep the section wet with stripper.
After about 10 minutes, rag off. Then rub the wood well with medium steel wool until its dry. Work in the direction of the grain.
Move to the next section etc.
If you use this stripper, there is no other surface prep necessary. Your unit is ready for staining.
http://www.swingpaints.com/1800.htm
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen