Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/15/2006

Question

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Followup To

Yes I need help with the refinishing process too.  Thank you.

Answer -
Hi Sandy
Nice to hear from you.
You can leave the hardware on your trunk if you feel you will damage the wood taking it off.
The stripper will not harm it.
Did you need instructions for the stripping process?
Not sure if thats what you need too.
Get back to me if you do.
Kindest Regards
Eileen

Answer
Hi Again Sandy
This should be a fairly easy project for you to attempt.
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
6 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
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.
No other prep is necessary...and DO NOT SAND THIS CHEST. When the stripping is complete, stain with Minwax stain applied with a rag )YOUR COLOR CHOICE), then 3 coats of low lustre tung oil also applied with a rag.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Good Luck
Eileen