Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/10/2006

Question
I read one of your answer regarding refinishing a mahogony bed.  You suggested different types or brands of stain, etc. but not a type of stripper.  Do you have a preference?  Also, I am refinishing  a mahogony vanity.  There are small scratches on the top (not too concerned) but a large abrasion on the side molding that is rough and down to the bare wood.  What should I do, as you suggested in the answer I read NOT TO SAND?  Thanks for your help!
Lydia

Answer
Hi Lydia
Its really nice to know that someone follows my advice LOL.
I am in Canada and use the Home Hardware house brand of stripper, but if you are in the States, I think the Circa brand is available.
And Lydia the reason I always say no sanding is simple.
It removes the patina which furniture aquires with age and this ruins antiques. Also a lot of furniture is veneer and this can be permanently damaged by sanding. I have seen too many fine old pieces ruined by the refinishers hand and its such a shame. All we want to do is replace the finish. If we want old things to look new, then I say buy new.
The small scratches on the top should come out when you are stripping if you give them a good rub with the steel wool when the wood is wet with the stripper.
I hope you have my directions for stripping, if not just ask.
For the abraision on the side, do the same as above and if the abraision is bad it may take more rubbing..
When the piece has dried from the stripper, and if wood still feels like you could catch your dust rag on it, then you could very gently sand with 220 sandpaper..ever so gently and just enough to remove the roughness.
Let me know how you make out.
Kindest Regards
Eileen