Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/16/2007

Question
Hi-I just purchased an old cedar trunk at a garage sale which is in pretty rough shape.  I'd like to refinish it;  it will need sanding to get some of the junk off it. What's the best method and materials?  I also want to seal/stain it.  What do you suggest?  Thanks for considering my questions.

Answer
Hi Caryl
Nice to hear from you.
First throw away the sandpaper.
Here are my instructions for stripping and finishing.

The first thing you must do is assemble the material to do the job.
The stripper is the most important item.
The stripper I use is my Home Hardware house brand, but I think that you would not have Home Hardware if you are in the states.
I am hoping you could have CIRCA brand paint and varnish remover there.

MATERIAL LIST For the stripping stage.
1 gallon stripper or a couple of quarts.
4 boxes of Bull Dog steel wool in medium grade.
One 3 inch oil based paint brush.
Rubber gloves (like you do dishes with)
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
That's all you need to get started…not much is it?
The stripper will be the most expensive item on the list..In Canada it runs around $25.00 a gallon. The stain and finish will only be around $20.00
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.
Use the toothbrush in crevices.
Thats all there is to it ...move to another section and continue till finished.
No other prep is necessary...and DO NOT SAND
After stripping, you can sand the inside cedar lining to refresh the lovely cedar smell.
When this is complete, stain with Minwax stain applied with a rag (not the inside of course).
Without seeing the chest I cannot advise on stain color so its your choice.
Then 3 coats of CIRCA low lustre tung oil also applied with a rag.
Caryl, I love these old trunks. Wish my house was big enough for more.
This will be a great project and fairly easy to accomplish.
Just take your time and do not rush it. That way it will be enjoyable for you.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Good Luck
Eileen