Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/20/2006

Question
Firstly ,let me apologize for my brutal spelling. I did not proof the -note and you probably think i am very rude.
I am sorry- for sending such a shabby note.
Please excuse me.

secondly-i am getting to the real gist of my inquiry. Does taking all the finish-that is going to the raw wood-diminish the value of the piece/
I have read that it is incorrect to strip old stuff?
That is reallly my question. Can i revive this piece without stripping?
Thanks
I would send you a picture if i had your email
I think i got lucky and got a good old piece. And I don't know anything.
(Maybe that's why i think i got a good value) Ha-- I probably got eaten alive
HAAAAAAAAAAA

Thanks again for your help. Happy Easter to you!!
Thanks-----------------------
Followup To
Question -
Thank you for your response. i did buy it just Now ( PM Wednesday).
It has carved handles( look like a fancy clam shell) and circular twisting roping ( I don't know how to describe it)on both sides of the front drawres. it has raised panels all around and only horizontal on the side. I don't know if this establishes a time or a maker-- The wood is in good shape no gauges or anythinf .
Now my question that you answered -which i thank you for-
i want to re-ask in a more specific way.
The desk has not been refinished. It has varying degrees of brown( it is an oak desk) and was inan attic so it has been protected from the sun and the dust seems to have protected it from wear! HAha
Now to strip -tightnen etc which will have to be done by a pro and will cost approx 1000-3000
will make my desk unaffordable.
i could read and try to do it myself.i am familiar to a small degree with the basics of sanding /gluing.
what is advisable ifthe desk is in good enough condition structurally as it is.
Is there non stripping wood cleaners?
will this affect the wood Etc
are there books on how to do this?
thanks for anything you wish to say.
happy Easter to you !!
Chris Andrews



Answer -
Hi again Chris
No need to read a book to find out how to refinish.
Its very easy but takes time. Thats why it costs so much.
And forget about sandpaper...DO NOT TOUCH THIS DESK WITH SANDPAPER.
I am going to send you a link to a product that I have never used and cannot get in Canada, but I am hearing rave reviews about it.
The link will come after this as a follow up.
This product eliminates refinishing and is worth a try.
Also here are the 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
6 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 (to get in crevices)
Lots of old rags (I like t-shirts or cotton but for this first stage whatever you have)
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.
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, I would use golden oak color.
Then 3 coats of low lustre tung oil also applied with a rag.
Thats it Chris.
Now this is very time consuming, but not hard at all.
Good Luck and the link is coming as I must find it.
Eileen  

Answer
Hi Again Chris
If the finish is in bad shape you will not diminish its value by replacing it if the job is done correctly and you keep the sandpaper away from it.
Sanding removes the lovely patina old wood aquires over the years.
My email is ecronk@sympatico.ca
Send pictures that are 5 x 7 inches as I have dial up service and larger takes so long to download.
Eileen