Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/29/2008

Question
Re: old library table…maybe oak...turning into vanity

Hi,

I am stripping and re-finishing the table that had a “Stain – Early American,
Magnamax Lacquer Satin #35” on it.  I am planning on using wood stripper on
it, and refinish with another stain.   What type of sealer should I use because
a sink is going to be placed in it and it will be converted into a vanity.  We
don't ant water stain marks or the wood to suffer in any way.

What are the steps:
Example
1 – wood tripper
2 – sand slightly??
3- stain
4 – sealer…varnish??

Thanks

Peter  

Answer
Hi Peter
Nice to hear from you.
Great project.
The steps.
1..strip with a stripper such as this.
Its powerful and it does not require any neutralizing or after wash.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1694&familyN...

2...Do not sand this table unless there is damage.
I'm sure you want it to retain its old look.

3..Stain in your color choice. I use Minwax stains.

4..The sealer should be a poly. Three coats with a light abrasion with medium steel wool between coats.
I would not apply lacquer as it just will not stand up.
Personally I would use Minwax oil based fast drying poly in a low luster as it will show less marks than high gloss.
I would seriously think about using the oil based wood floor poly by Minwax too.
I have used it on floors and am very impressed with its durability.
It has a lovely mellow look.
Just a tip I learned after doing a few of these conversions.
You will be cutting a sink into this or at least drilling a drain hole if its a top sitting basin. Make sure the cut edges are coated the same as the top.
This is a problem area and its important that this be sealed.
And Brian understand, no finish lasts forever.
If this is a family bathroom it will get lots of use so keep a close eye for wear as moisture is the downfall of these conversions.
Its so easy to add a coat of wipe on poly every few years and keep this looking great.
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen