Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Refinishing a table

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Expert: - 8/8/2007


Question
Hi, this is actually a brand new table from IKEA. It is birch with a clear lacquered finish.  What I would like to do is stain it to match my chairs (Mid brown Oak Colour).  I have never done anything like this.  How would I go about it?  I would like to keep the strong lacquered finish, but just have a darker color.  Is it alot of work and is it worth it, and also will it look good?
Thanks for any advice.
Helena

Answer
Hi Helena
Nice to hear from you.
Sorry but you cannot keep the laquer finish and change the color.
All finish must be stripped off before staining dark.
It will be a lot of work removing this particular finish, and my advise is forget it.
Not very encouraging Helena and I rarely try to talk folks out of projects but I would avoid this.
Kindest Regards
Eileen

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

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I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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