Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/23/2006

Question
Hi Eileen, I just discovered this site and I've been reading some of your past answers. I'm interested in your stripping process. Can you send me instructions or your secrets to striping a Tiger Maple dresser? Only the top needs to be done, the rest is very nice and I don't want to ruin it. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Ida
Nice to hear from you.
I am happy to share my "secrets" with you.

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 guart stripper
2 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
That's all you need to get started…not much is it?  
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.
Thats all there is to it ..move to another section and continue.
No other prep is necessary...and DO NOT SAND THIS Top. 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.
Kindest Regards
Eileen
PS as I do not know what the current finish is on your dresser I am recommending tung oil but that can be changed if you choose.