Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/31/2005

Question
I just inherited a bedroom dresser with mirror made by the Bell Furniture Co. in Ontario in the early 1900's.  I would like to refinish it but know nothing about the proper procedures, products to use, etc.  Would you be able to give me an outline to follow or direct me to a website that may already have this information.  I am excited to do this myself as a winter project.  I am looking forward to receiving your reply.  Judy

Answer
Hi Judy
Nice to hear from you.
This will be a great winter project.
Here is an outline of the basic procedure for stripping furniture.
I think all refinishers have their own methods, but here's mine..
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.
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?
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, then 3 coats of low lustre tung oil also applied with a rag.
In some cases a third application of stripper is necessary if its a tough finish to remove.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Judy I know you can do this job. Just take your time.
Good Luck
Eileen