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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/refinish oak table top

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Expert: - 8/5/2007


Question
The table top is old and has a dark oak finish.I have used "old Englih" scratch cover and it looked pretty good,however part of the top is sticky. How should I begin to refinih it. Should I use a strripper to bring it down to the bare wood or what?

Answer
Hi Ed
Nice to hear from you.
Ed it sounds like there is wax or grime built up and thus this sticky area.
Before using stripper, give the table top a good scrub with mineral spirits.
Use a medium steel wool pad as a scrubber dipped in the spirits. Be real agressive with the cleaning.
Then a coat of Minwax stain of your color choice, then a coat or 2 of tung oil.
And if the top is still sticky (which I doubt), then a strip.
Good Luck and a good question
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.

Experience

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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