Stock refinishing
- Thread starter waxhaw
- Start date
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Yep, probably several applications of stripper, you can use maroon or green Scotchbrite pads to help release the old varnish. Read the label! Though less common nowadays, some strippers require a neutralizing step or good rinse after the final application.
Wood is porous; if you don't get all the stripper off/removed, then it can attack the new finish from the inside.
Don't worry about getting the wood wet, just don't boil it!
"Raising the grain" is another step in finishing wood: wood fibers absorb water & swell up, making the surface feel sorta fuzzy. Once the wood dries, light sanding with fine sandpaper makes the surface nice & smooth. Wetting the surface also gives a preview of how the grain/figure of the wood will look when finished. If there are small dents in the stock, you can spot-steam them and, when the wood absorbs the steam, it "decompresses" the mashed wood, reducing or eliminating them. Sounds like a fun project!
Something I do that works well when the finish is flaking off is take a pocket knife (preferably one that is in desperate need of a sharpening). Put it at almost 90 degrees to the stock and drag it across the surface like draw filing. It will usually remove most of the finish without the need for stripper. You could also use a card scrapper if you have one.
An old credit card works great with citristrip. Old varnish/lacquer/etc. just peels off. I also use green scrubbing pads with MINIMAL pressure sprayed down with more citristrip.
Then I wipe the stock down in a shower with a clean scrubbing pad under running water, then again with a rag.
Let it dry completely and it’s good for conditioner and staining (if needed), light finish sanding, and oil.
Then I wipe the stock down in a shower with a clean scrubbing pad under running water, then again with a rag.
Let it dry completely and it’s good for conditioner and staining (if needed), light finish sanding, and oil.