Strip, Sand or both?

2 years ago

Would love some advice for this piece of furniture passed down to us. The top is badly scratched although I believe just the varnish. I tried Steel Wool and Rejuvenate Cabinet/Furniture Restore and it did nothing. I have CitriStrip and thought about trying to strip the varnish off. It’s a quality piece but I think it’s veneer. Any advice is appreciated!

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rwiegand

2 years ago

It doesn't look that bad to me, but perhaps I'm not seeing what Klem does.. I would not use a water-based stripper like Citrustrip on it, that will likely lift and destroy the veneer depending on what glue was used. Use an organic solvent-based stripper instead; I'd start by seeing if it will lift with denatured alcohol; if not move on to something stronger. Finish with a light sanding with ~320 grit paper in a random orbit sander or by hand using a sanding block, then a wash coat of dewaxed amber shellac followed by your preferred top coat. Using a chemical stripper to remove as much of the finish as you can wil preserve as much of the thin veneer as possible.

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Comments (7)

Jeanne Cardwell
2 years ago
I would try to strip the top without damaging any other part of the dresser, then a light hand sanding and satin urethane for the top. If it doesn’t work out you could get a piece of marble or other stone cut to fit the top.
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HALLETT & Co.
2 years ago
You need a chemical based stripper that cleans up with mineral spirits not citristrip which cleans up with water. I love citristrip/ used it yesterday/ but the water risks damaging the veneer.
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klem1
2 years ago
It is without doubt veneer. If you expect to have other pieces to refinish in the future I suggest buying a dual action aka DA sander. If you have a shop vac or other vac with hose get a sander with hose connector. As Hallett points out,stripper leaves a lot of work to be done just to remedy damage left behind.
dan1888
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I'd sand to avoid any color change from the stripper. But it appears the two circles may have affected the color. That will be the challenge. General Finishes may have oil-based stain and oil-based Arm-R-Seal for a finish.

More finishes on YouTube. Step Aside, Rubio; The Game has Changed | Hardwax Oil Comparison | The Wood Whisperer - YouTube
millworkman
2 years ago
" Rejuvenate Cabinet/Furniture Restore "

Just be aware that using that crap may have made the piece incapable of accepting another finish. That stuff is known to ruin the wood for anything other than painting.
klem1
2 years ago
Truth of the matter is you've chosen a piece that would be a serious challenge if not impossible for a professional to save. The previous owner obviously didn't share your opinion on it being "a quality piece". Just sand it and if those circles don't sand out apply a finish and find a couple objects to sit on circles (preferably not plants that require daily watering). If you aspire to dive into a serious woodworking hobby,here's how I would handle it if the piece was special enough to me. Use a trim router to inlay new wood to replace unrepairable sections.