04/15/2012
This is going to be a how too do it, moment. Stripping furniture, to most it is a simple and somewhat boring procedure. Having said that, stripping furniture has to be done right. Or else, the end result will be disappointing. If you have not removed all of the old lacquer, it will show up in the new finish as a shiny spot or area. There two types of stripper. A liquid or a Paste. I always ues the paste, it is thicker and easier to handle.
Tools needed-
Stripper, old or cheep paint brush, Stripper resistant gloves, lacquer thinner, "000" steel wool, Scraper ( Plastic or Metal) and rags.
I will give a warning here, if you are using a metal scraper be careful. The blade of a metal scraper has sharp corners on, you will want to round those corners off. If not there is a tendancy for those corners to dig into the wood as you remove the finish.
When your satisfied everything is ready, put on your stripper. Stripper is very harmful to you, if gotten on your bare skin. Remember to take all precautions, gloves and a supply of water etc. You may need the water to wash off the stripper
Use your cheep paint brush to spread the stripper on, over the surface. Let the stripper do the work for you. The maker of the stripper will let you know how long to leave it on. Use the scraper to remove the finish, re-coat again with stripper if all of the old lacquer finish has not been removed. When you are satisfied that it has, use the "000" Steel wool soaked with lacquer thinner to remove all residue.
The end result should be a clean surface, of all old lacquer and stain.
