Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/24/2007

Question
QUESTION: I recently inherited my grandmothers Cedar Chest.  It was made by her uncle who was a carpenter.  The finish appears to be dark lacquer or  stain and has much wear.  I would like to remove the finish, clean the wood and use a wax paste or clear finish.  What I don't know is what the best method would be or if I am better just to leave the old finish.  Help!!

ANSWER: Hi Heather
Nice to hear from you.
I get asked similar questions very often.
My answer is always this.
If you plan on selling the piece, leave it as is.
You obviously are not planning to do this as its a family heirloom, but you are also not happy with the looks of it ..right?
So I say make it look as nice as possible.
If this cannot be accomplished with a good cleaning and waxing, then a full stripping with paint stripper and a new finish applied is the only answer.
Let me know if you want my stripping instructions.
Good luck and a great question.
Regards
Eileen


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

QUESTION: I would appreciate your your paint stripping instructions.
Thanks much!!

Answer
Hi again Heather
Here are the instructions as you requested.
STRIPPING AND REFINISHING INSTRUCTIONS
The first thing you must do is assemble the material to do the job.
The stripper is the most important item.
The stripper I use is my Home Hardware house brand, but I think that you would not have Home Hardware if you are in the states.
I am hoping you could have CIRCA brand paint and varnish remover there.

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)
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
That's all you need to get started…not much is it?
The stripper will be the most expensive item on the list..In Canada it runs around $25.00 a gallon. The stain and finish will only be around $20.00
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.
Use the toothbrush in crevices.
On occasion, another coat of stripper may be needed, but you will know.
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, then 3 coats of low lustre tung oil also applied with a rag.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Good Luck
Eileen