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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Refinishing veneer furniture from 1950s

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Expert: - 10/27/2010


Question
QUESTION: I have several pieces of furniture from the 1950s that I would like to refinish.  Is it safer to strip and/or sand the veneer - I have read mixed reviews on this.  If stripping is safer, what type of stripper is advised.

ANSWER: Hi Dawn, stripping followed by a light sanding when the surface has dried, is the preferred route. Chemical stripping removes the old finish thoroughly and without risking any damage to the veneer and surrounding wood. I have moved away from the more toxic Methylene Chloride strippers to Citristrip, a much less toxic product with a pleasant Orange smell. It works a little slower, and dries slower, but it's pleasant fragrance and less toxic/carcinogenic formula is a lot safer to use. And it's plenty tough enough for most furniture finishes. Most places carry it too. Hope that helps- regards- Greg

http://www.wmbarr.com/citristrip/default.aspx

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

QUESTION: Thanks Greg.  That is very helpful indeed.  For the light sanding, would you recommend sandpaper or steel wool, & what grit/grade number.  Assume it is okay to use an electric sander if sandpaper is an okay way to go?

Answer
A grit like 120-150-180 is probably where you'll want to be, but it will depend on what you're left with after the stripping process, and you probably won't need to be that aggressive with the sanding if you've done a good job stripping....orbital sanders mark the wood with swirls, and can remove a of of material especially on edges, radius's etc....hand sanding is always preferred unless there's a need to sand aggressively......post back if need be

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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