Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/18/2012

Question
Eileen,

I am currently in the process of refinishing a desk I received from my grandfather, for use by my 9 year-old son.  The desk is approximately 60 years-old and the finish was worn.  I used Formby's Refinisher on it and while the results were fine, I want to stain it to match my son's bedroom set.  When I went to apply the stain it did not seem to soak in at all.  After leaving the stain on a small section on the back panel for about 10 minutes, it all wiped off.  It seems to me like the wood grain may have been sealed by the Formby's Refinisher.

Did I use the wrong product?  Should I have used a stripper instead of the refinisher?  If so, can I now use a stripper prior to applying the stain?

Thank you in advance,
Matt

Answer
Hi Matt
Nice to hear from you.
Yes, as you have guessed, you used the wrong product. Formbys Refinisher is not wood stripper.
The Formbys has left the wood sealed. The wood must be 100% free of any finish before we apply stain or it just won't take.
You need an MC (methylene chloride) wood stripper. I like the "Circa 1850" Brand but any MC stripper will do. Look on the can to determine what you are getting.
Another point I will address is this. Folks often think that they can stain different species of wood to match each other and its not possible in a lot of cases. Some wood is so hard it will not absorb stain, and softer woods often absorb too much.
You may get a lighter or darker look than you hoped for but if its the same color tones it will look great.
Matt I'm sending my full refinishing info for future reference as I'm sure you will get hooked on doing more of this....like I did.
Best of Luck
Eileen


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
When the stripping is complete, stain with Minwax stain applied with a rag, then 3 or 4 coats of low lustre tung oil also applied with a rag.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.