Darkmage
newbie
Reged: 04/09/06
Posts: 37
Loc: IL
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I have a coffee table that has been abused by the growing children. Seeing how easily it scratches and dents, I believe it to be a soft wood. It is stained now. I'd like to refinish it and stain it again. All the articles I can find refer to removing the old paint or varnish. How do I remove stain? Do I just sand it down? Or should I just hire someone? lol
Thanks!
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Spackelman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/27/06
Posts: 4159
Loc: Exit 117, Garden State Parkway...
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Post some pics and you will find out... 
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brooksnb
Super Handyman
Reged: 03/03/07
Posts: 2138
Loc: New Brunswick , Canada
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I'm sure someone here will disagree but here goes... 
Judging by the questions and your description ...It sounds like this may be a bigger project than you are presently able to take on by yourself. If you are looking for a quality professional looking finish then I think you need to call someone who has experience and spray equiptment in order to attain this type of result.
On the other hand if you would really like to try this on your own I will (and others) be pleased to guide you through the process.
You need to set up in a WELL ventilated area and use a gel (My personal preference) type stripper...there is a factory finish and then a stain that need to be removed. If you have a decent looking base you may wish to wrap and protect it from the stripper...again this is only if you desire the same color as before.
I usually apply the stripper to the top and let it sit for about 3-5 mins...then carefully using a drywall knife (like a putty knife but wider) I will remove as much stripper and finish as possible without scraping the wood itself. I now use more stripper on the whole top...let sit another couple of mins and then using a mediem grade steel wool pad I work the finish off of stubborn and contoured areas...the next step is to wash the entire top with a pad of steel wool thoroughly soaked in methol hydrate ...this is VERY important as it will neutralize the stripper and make for a better result when it comes time to apply the stain and finish. Clean up by using paper towels and more methol hydrate.
Let this top dry completly ...sand lightly (always with the grain ) begining with 120 grit and progressing down to 220 grit (finer if you have some patience left )...now be sure to free the area of ALL dust...a tack cloth will be a great help. ...at this point you are ready for stain and top finishes...when you get to this point let us know and I will help you through the next part of the process..
Good luck..it can be fun ...so enjoy
PS..
I have 16 solid oak church doors to strip/stain and finish begining tomorrow...so I know I'll be having my share of fun...lol
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Dennis
Just another trouble making Canadian....
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Darkmage
newbie
Reged: 04/09/06
Posts: 37
Loc: IL
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I was afraid you'd say all that! lol
I've stained before, but I've never refinished. I worked in retail hardware for 18 years (I'm a nurse now), so I know the tools of the trade, but haven't used them all... yet!
I'll have to think this thru. Not sure I want to put that much sweat into it while the kids are still growing. Besides that, my work area is the garage and it is slightly above zero outside now. brrrr! I have until Spring to mull this one over I think!
Thanks!
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bozodog
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/19/07
Posts: 9938
Loc: SW Michigan
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One last thought. If it's not an heirloom, no harm thinking about painting it. It's a lot easier. Clean it up good, fill the scratches and dents, sand, prime, sand again and two top coats.
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Governments don’t bear the cost of anything; their citizens do.
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JackPatrick
newbie
Reged: 01/05/10
Posts: 3
Loc: Texas,U.S.A
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Refinishing a small wood table isn't that difficult. For this reason, solid wood is always preferable to laminates or press-board. After you have a table, wait for some nice weather and be ready to have some fun.
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brooksnb
Super Handyman
Reged: 03/03/07
Posts: 2138
Loc: New Brunswick , Canada
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Quote:
Refinishing a small wood table isn't that difficult.
Speaking as a person who has been doing restoration work for nearly 35 years (Ugh !!) as part or all of my income ...I have to agree...however I have seen a lot of botched jobs that if done by a pro the customer would reject with anger !!
Doing it ...is one thing...doing it right is something else completly.
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Dennis
Just another trouble making Canadian....
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Dennis_H_N.J.
Sandwichless in N.J.
Reged: 03/12/02
Posts: 22923
Loc: Toms River, N.J.
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have you looked in the yellow pages for furniture strippers?
They do a great job, but they cost a few $$$
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Politico's make rules for others, and exceptions for themselves...
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ront02769
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 03/03/04
Posts: 8337
Loc: New England
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ya mean the ones where they dip the whole thing into a vat?????? and get that finish all gone in a hurry but also trash the glue in the joints?? ront
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brooksnb
Super Handyman
Reged: 03/03/07
Posts: 2138
Loc: New Brunswick , Canada
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Dip and strip places are rare to find in most places because of enviromental restrictions...plus like you said...if you have a old glue joint it will come apart every time.
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Dennis
Just another trouble making Canadian....
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