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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Stripping dark stain off blond dresser

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Expert: - 5/31/2010


Question
My parents bought a blond (very light) bedroom set in 1951 new. I have the dresser but the problem is my brother covered it all with dark stain, which looks horrible and I would like to remove that dark stain and anything under that if necessary so I can paint it. 1. How do I remove that dark stain color? 2. What type of paint should I use? Thank you so very much for your time.

Answer
Hi Judy, it sounds like stripping it would be the best course of action. I use Citristrip a lot, as it's safer than Methylene chloride strippers, but it does take a little longer to do the job, which is a messy one no matter how you do it. The other option is to have it stripped commercially. Then a sanding, primer, and paint finish can be done. Use the best paint you can buy, I like Zinsser's Bullseye 1-2-3 primers, and Benjamin Moore Enamel in a Satin or Eggshell finish, and use the best quality tools and materials. Good painting technique is also essential to get a good job.One other option is spray paint, like Krylon or Rustoleum, as spraying is the best way to get a super smooth, professional looking finish. It does however, take some technique to get a good outcome, but that technique can be learned...

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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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