Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/2/2010

Question
QUESTION: Our cherry kitchen cupboards were finished with an oil based varathane. The fireplace in the great room and our bathroom vanities were finished with water based varathane.  They look dull compared to the cupboards.  I tried to darken the bathroom vanity with a cherry minwax. Some white spots have developed on the vanity and it didn't darken.  Any suggestions on how to change the fireplace and the bathroom vanities to match the kitchen cupboards which are much nicer.

ANSWER: Hi Donna
Nice to hear from you.
Unfortunately, there is only one way to remedy this and its not easy.
You must strip the water based finish completely off and apply oil based.
If you need the info to do this just ask.
Regards
Eileen

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

QUESTION: What is the best way to reomve the water based finish?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi again Donna
I should have sent the instructions along to you last night but my PC was acting up..again LOL.
Please don't hesitate to get back any time.

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

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
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Regards
Eileen