Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/6/2007

Question
QUESTION: I painted a Roos 1938-40 cedar chest 30 years ago. I now used methelene chloride to strip the paint. I then used the flammable furniture refinisher and steel wool to remove remaining finish. I've gone over it 4 times and am still getting color on white rags when I wipe it. Should I keep going until I get no color? It's a veneered chest.

ANSWER: Hi Linda
Nice to hear from you.
Linda I'm a little confused here.
I know methelyne chloride is in a lot of paint strippers mixed with other chemicals, but never knew you used it alone..but I don't know everything LOL.
And I have never used furniture refinisher to strip furniture. Its used to repair finishes.
So understand I don't know exactly whats happening here.
But if you are still getting paint color after all this then you are using the wrong process.
Get a small can of Circa 1850 paint and varnish remover.
This should remove anything left on the chest.
Now it could be this color you speak of is actually the original stain color.
Its very common to get stain color on your rag after stripping, but after the process you used, I still recommend one final go with the circa.
Do not sand after this.
Get back to me if needed
Kindest Regards
Eileen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your fast response. I guess I meant to say flammable furniture stripper (Parks by Zinser), not refinisher.  Do you mean the Circa 1850 Heavy Body Paint and Varnish Remover (gold can), or the Circa 1850 Furniture Stripper (white can)?  Most of the finish is off, but I do still get color in the rag.

Answer
Hi again Linda
Its the white can.
Yes just give it one coat, rag the excess off, then while the wood is still wet from the stripper, rub with medium grade steel wool and you will see the wood drying.
At this point anything that will come off will be off.
And of course just work in sections as its easiest and better, and always use the steel wool with the grain..you probably know all that LOL.
Good Luck
Eileen