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Schramm
Newcomer
Age: 45
Joined: 17 Jul 2010
Posts: 1
Location: Spring Valley Illinois
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Hello from Illinois, wanted to introduce myself prior to posting my question. My name is Rob Schramm and I am a mirror designer from Spring Valley Illinois.
I really like painting old furniture of quality which I feel are functional but not of great value. Recently I have been going to estate auctions and buying up this furniture most of the time for a couple of dollars however the other day I ran into a library desk that I actually paid $40 for. I decided instead of painting this one I would remove the old clear which is in bad condition and apply tung oil on it to bring it back to life.
QUESTION: I want to dissolve the finish but I want to keep the stain and age look of the wood intact. I know I am going to loose a lot of the dark color by removing the clear coat (which isn't clear any longer). I have purchased Zinsser's StripFast furniture refinisher which says that it is a no strip refinisher. It says on the can that it removes clear finish, varnish, lacquer, shellac and wax & grime. I am kinda amazed that it can remove so many different types of finishes but it says it can. My main thing is will this be ok on this desk and if so what do I neutralize this with? If this works I have a well over 100 year old Victorian chair that needs done as well.
Thanks in advance for any help.
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TWFP
Newcomer
Joined: 06 Jul 2010
Posts: 2
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The first rule of thumb is that less really is more. We see furniture that has been lovingly wax polished every day since it was bought. This is bad! Every time you apply solid wax (or spray wax) you are adding a small layer of wax to the finish. Over time this builds up to leave the table very glossy but also very smeary. It also traps any dirt, food or fingermarks.
Most furniture only needs “Feeding” once or twice a year with any dirt or marks dry wiped away or cleaned with a damp cloth. If you do have a big build up of wax then it will have to be removed. Some people suggest lemon juice, others just try and put even more wax on! We would advocate wiping with a soft rag and white spirit. This will soften up the excess wax. You will have to repeat the process with new pieces of cloth and white spirit until you are back to the original French Polished or lacquered finish.
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AsonnyA
Member
Joined: 26 Oct 2006
Posts: 142
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I'm not familiar with that Zinsser stripper.... cleanup instructions should be on the container.
If that desk were mine, I would strip it with a spray or liquid stripper. It's been "abused" and I would deal with any "old wood look" issue after stripping. I don't think you would loose much of the old look, much of its original look, by using a stripper.
Stripping it may help give the overall appearance the same look, ie. all the same color. If the resulting color isn't right for you, then stain it to what is preferrable.
Sonny
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Zeeman
Moderator
Joined: 25 Apr 2005
Posts: 634
Location: Newport R.I.
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Rob,
I agree with Sonny. As long as you have no interest in getting the piece appraised to determine if it has antique value, then strip off the old finish and apply a new one. The inherent wood color and patina will be left mostly intact if it is stripped carefully. I ight suggest the following schedule. . .
1. apply a heavy duty chemical stripper, following the label instructions. Use the suggested safety precautions and work outdoors if possible. Work in small areas and scrape and use steel wool in the direction of the grain. Don't smear it around, remove it. Apply another coat and clean the surface with #0 steel wool. When dry, sand the surface with 120, than 150.
2. Apply a sealer coat of Zinnsser Sealcoat diluted 1:1 with alcohol.
3. sand wth #220 till completely smooth and dry feeling. Vacuum well.
4. Apply an oil wiping stain or gel stain to color if desired, then topcoat.
Tim
TWFP,
Wax has been used for centuries as a great way to protect wood and create an excellent barrier to abuse and environment. You are totally wrong to label it as "bad" Wiping with lemon juice or white spirit is not necessarily a good way to rejuvinate an old finish. Please remember to differentiate from fact and opinion so that others are not mislead. Thanks. . .
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