Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a great old dresser which I have tried to strip down.  The top appears to be a bird's eye maple.  I cannot get the paint (it was painted off white) off the mirror. I tried everything and guess I just have to keep sanding it down, however I want to stain it and not repaint it because I think it would be so pretty in a light maple stain.  A friend of mine is a contractor and he said to use a wax stain.  I can't seem to find a spot to upload a picture but will send it to you if you want to.  I just love the style and would like to know if you can tell me how old it might be.  There is no maker's mark or tags on it anywhere but it does have dovetailed drawers.  Thanks for any help you can provide!

ANSWER: Hi Donna
Nice to hear from you.
Do not attempt to sand the paint off this dresser and mirror.
The paint will come off with the proper chemical.
If this is truly maple (birds eye or otherwise), the paint should almost fall off with the proper stripper.
Your friend likely suggested you use colored wax as a finish on the wood.
Dovetailed drawers don't necessarily mean really old. To mean they also mean well made.
The site does allow a picture post.
I would love to see a picture of this unstrippable maple.
Please get back to me if you cannot send a picture and I will send my email address as I am interested in trying to help you with this. And promise me..no sandpaper LOL.
Kind regards
Eileen.


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QUESTION: Thanks Eileen... now I see the attach an image option.  I only have the dresser picture on my work laptop... I have a closeup of the wood at home... but now it looks like I can only upload one picture... so as you can see the mirrow is still "painted"... it is super smooth because i have sanded it so much (and will stop now!).  Let me know what you think....

Answer
Hi again Donna
The picture helps.
This is actually a lovely dresser and I agree with you that a lighter color will be nice.
I cannot really see the wood well but its a solid wood top with veneered drawers. All the veneer on the drawers looks in excellent shape.
All all the original hardware is intact.
The bevelled mirror is in great shape also.
You need to use an mc stripper to get the paint off. And like I said the paint will basically fall off with the correct stripper.
I am including for you the instructions for stripping.

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. You need an MC stripper
I am hoping you can get "CIRCA 1850" brand paint and varnish remover in your area as it is an MC stripper.
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.
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.
Depending on the material you are removing, another coat of stripper is often needed but you will know this as you progress into the job.
Use the toothbrush in crevices.
Thats all there is to it ...move to another section and continue.
No other prep is necessary...and DO NOT SAND
When the stripping is complete, stain with Minwax stain applied with a rag in the color of your choice but a light shade as we discussed.
Then 3 or 4 coats of low lustre tung oil also applied with a rag. I use Circa brand tung oil also.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Donna I know you have a lot of the paint off already but its a must that you go over all areas of the dresser with the stripper. Even the areas you think have no paint.
Dating of furniture is a bit out of my line but a guess on this piece is its from the 20's or 30's. Really a nice dresser.
Keep me posted.
Regards
Eileen