Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/9/2011

Question
QUESTION: I just purchased this table it needs a little work..just wondering what u think i should do to this..just bought it today it was in an attic of a house a man purchased 60 years ago..not sure of age or wood type..anything u can tell me about it..there is a leaf inside the table and the legs come out and hold up the two sides...I have tried to look it up on the internet to find out about it but have only found simular one

ANSWER: Hi Valerie
Nice to hear from you.
This is a great piece.
It is called a drop leaf, gate leg extension table.
It looks to be maple which is a hardwood and likely the reason it is in fairly good shape even though the finish is gone from the top most part.
If this was mine, I would strip it and refinish it. The finish is ruined and this is the only solution.
I would be happy to send the stripping info if you want to go this route.
Fairly easy fix.
Regards
Eileen

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

QUESTION: would love some info on how to strip this..was thinking on a light stain and then a clear protective coat...what would you do being a professional/

Answer
Hi Again Valerie
I agree with you, a light stain and then a clear coat.
Here is the stripping info.

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.
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.
Valerie, your table top has no finish left, but you still apply the stripper and do the steel wool rub. You are going to be surprised how this will bring the bare wood back to life.
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 the entire table with Minwax stain applied with a rag.
When the stain dries, apply 2 or 3 coats of Minwax oil based poly in a satin sheen.
It will likely be easier for you to use a wipe on poly on the legs and turnings.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Kind Regards
Eileen