Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I am stripping an oak dresser set, the marking on the inside of the drawer is SLIGH furniture company.  It is about 50 years old and very well built.  I have started to refinish it.  It has 3 coats of paint. The top layer is a peach color and it comes off fairly easily.  The next 2 coats are from the factory.  It is a white color with a varnish on it.  The problem that I am having is the white color is right in the grain of the wood. Is there any way that I can get that out of the grain.  I am using steel wool to get the last bits but it still remains in the wood grain.  The wood is a light color when I get to it.  The next thing is if I should stain it would the white be covered with the stain or would it show through. This is my first project so I will take any help that I can get.

Thank You.

Nancy

ANSWER: Hi Nancy
Nice to hear from you.
Congratulations on your first project.
And please do not let this discourage you from doing more.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it is my experience that this white paint you cannot get out of the grain will most times just not come out.
You see Nancy this particular piece you have chosen to strip is called "paint grade" furniture.
It was never meant to have anything but a painted surface.
The wood is not chosen in the same manner as it would be for a piece that is not painted and is not matched for grain or even species some times.
Before giving up however I would give the piece one more once over with a strong MC stripper and medium steel wool.
Here is an example of an MC stripper and the one I use.
http://www.swingpaints.com/1806.htm
Your last point is actually very good considering this is your first project of this kind.
You wonder if the stain could cover the white that remains.
Its my experience that it very well could. I have had it happen on occasion.
But first do the mc stripper.
Then stain the piece.
And if the white shows through, then you resort to this product

http://www.constantines.com/browseproducts/Behlen-Jet-Spray-Lacquers.HTML

Nancy this is a colored lacquer. It hides a multitude of sins but retains the wood look if used correctly.
But I really want to hear how the stain goes before we get into you using this lacquer as there are things you must know before using it.
I will be away for a few days (back on Tuesday evening).
Kind Regards
Eileen

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

QUESTION:
Thank you for your quick response.  I have completed one of the dressers.  It still has some white in the grain but I don't think it is that obvious. I did use the stripper that you had recommended. My next question is how I finish it off... If I stain the dresser a little darker will the paint show through? Should I just oil it or should I put a varnish on it? What would you suggest?  I know that it is hard when you cannot see the piece.

Nancy


Answer
Hi again Nancy
I was glad to hear you could find the stripper.
So if thats done, its time to experiment with some stain.
I would test some stain on a place that does not show. Perhaps a side down at the bottom.
I would likely use a lighter stain. If the paint is still visible, it will not be as bad as with a dark stain. Possibly try Minwax golden oak color. Just get a tiny can to start.
You can always remove the test stain with your stripper if it does not suit but it may be fine.
I would not apply finish without staining first.
For a finish I would use tung oil. Its applied with a rag. Very easy to apply 3 or 4 coats.
Good Luck
Eileen