Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/27/2007

Question
I am doing some updating in my kitchen.  The cabinets are very old and have an accumulation of dirt, grease, and varnish.  I purchased a gel stripper that works very well. However, the directions stated that after stripping, I should use a rough cloth saturated with orderless mineral spirits.  When I applied it, it left a white film over the wood that will not come off.  Is there anything I can do to remove this?  I am afraid to put anything else on it for fear of another reaction.  Thank you for volunteering your services.

Answer
Hi Donna
Nice to hear from you.
I certainly have never run accross this problem before but I suspect its your stripper that did not remove everything from the cabinets.
Another coat of stripper will remove this white film, but would you be able to get a small can of "Circa" paint and varnish remover? If not try your gel stripper.
Donna I know we are often told to wash the stripped piece with a variety of different chemicals, but its my opinion that a properly stripped piece, stripped with a good quality stripper does not require any further treatment.
I have stripped hundreds of pieces over the last 35 years and not once have I done this or had your problem.
Please let me know how you make out.
Kindest Regards
Eileen