Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/12/2008

Question
Thank you for your response. I would like information on how to refinish a walnut veneer table. I would like to replicate the original finish which is a sort of matte finish lighter and grayer than the underlying veneer.  I believe this is a circa 1958 table.  I have a solid walnut buffet with a similar finish.  Thank you again,

Nancy

Answer
Hi Nancy
Here are the stripping instructions for your table.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STRIPPING FURNITURE
The first thing you must do is assemble the material to do the job.
The stripper is the most important item.  
I am hoping you can get "CIRCA 1850" brand paint and varnish remover in your area.
Here is a link
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1694&familyN...

MATERIAL LIST For the stripping stage.
1 gallon stripper
3 boxes of Bull Dog steel wool in medium grade.
One 3 inch oil based paint brush.
Rubber gloves (like you do dishes with), and a pair of cotton gloves inside the rubber ones.
People react differently to stripper. A lot of people feel heat through the rubber gloves, but I feel cold. Have no idea why.
An empty large coffee can. (for the stripper)
A couple of old tooth brushes.
Lots of old rags (I like t-shirts or cotton but for this first stage whatever you have)
Lots of newspaper to protect the garage floor
LOTS OF VENTILATION..A MUST
That's all you need to get started.
HERES WHAT YOU DO...
Work in sections. Perhaps one side of the table top at a time.
Brush on the stripper with the brush. Stripper will quit working if it dries, so keep it wet till the finish softens.
Then take a rag and wipe this mess off.
Then another coat of stripper, rag off again, then while the wood is still wet, take the steel wool and rub with the grain till the wood is nice and clean.
Use the toothbrush in crevices.
Sometimes a nother coat of stripper is needed but that depends on the finish.
Thats all there is to it ...move to another section and continue.
No other prep is necessary.
At this point you must eveluate the table top.
You mentioned some damage. Perhaps it was only in the finish, but get back to me if its something more after stripping.
When the stripping is complete, stain with Minwax stain applied with a rag for walnut veneer I use Minwax Special Walnut.
Nancy if the finish on your table is lacquer, you cannot replicate it in the home.
You must send the table to a shop for this.
Parhaps get back to me after the stripping to talk alternatives.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Good Luck and keep me posted.