Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/24/2007

Question
We have a built-in wall unit that was constructed in our family room about ten years ago. It was quite expensive to have built.and is the focal point of the room. It is finished in a pickled (aka whitewashed)stain and some type of poly or lacquer coat. We are now redecorating and want to stain it a darker color. Our painting contractor says it cannot be stained again and it should be painted. Is this true. And if not, what is the process to re-stain it. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Joe
Nice to hear from you.
I have to agree with the paint pro on this one Joe.
This type of finish can be impossible to remove.
I will guess this unit is made of oak as this was the wood this pickling was mostly applied to.
Its possible you could sand and sand and sand after stripping the laquer off, but what an horrendous job to do indoors.
Having said that, I have had cases where this pickling "mostly" came off and I was sucessful restaining.
I think the reason was that the wood had been treated prior to pickling with a sanding sealer which prevented deep absorbson of the white.
A small test area could be attempted with a bit of paint stripper.
In that way you would be assured this particular pickling will not come off, or it will.
If it will, then of course you have to proceed to strip the entire unit, restain, and apply a new finish.
Good Luck and great question.
Regards
Eileen