I own a cherry table which I refinished last year with an oil based stain followed by an application of paste wax. The finish is not holding up well because of the beating it takes from my kids (God bless them). So, I would like to strip off the paste wax and refinish the table with several coats of polyurethane. What chemical or process should I use to strip off the paste wax while not stripping off the underlying stain?
Thanks for your help.
– Lyptus
Replies
Wax can be removed with naptha or mineral spirits. You have to use lots of rags or paper towels, otherwise you will just be smearing it around. Make sure you wipe the mineral spirits off, rather than letting it dry on the surface.
Wax, as you discovered, has virtually no protective powers at all. The stain has little more protection since its binder oil is basically just designed to hold the pigment in place. You may find that the damage you see is to the wood, not to the finish which may mean a more thorough stripping, sanding, restaining and finishing are in order--at least if you are looking to restore a nearly new look.
If you are set on polyurethane I would first apply a coat or two of dewaxed shellac to the table. It will adhere to any residual wax and provide a better base for the varnish. Traditional resin varnishes are not quite so picky, so if you have done a reasonably good job at removing the wax you wouldn't have a problem.
I believe that traditional resin varnishes look better, particularly if you are going to build a film sufficiently thick to really add protection. They are only a small degree less abrasion resistant than polyurethane varnish. Good examples are Behlen Rockhard and Pratt & Lambert 38. Either can be thinned to be applied as a wiping varnish.
To remove wax, just use Pledge; it'll partially dissolve a carefully applied coat of paste wax wherever it's applied - leaving a mess in its wake.
Seriously, what Steve told you is correct (but don't spray Pledge, or its ilk, on your waxed furniture).
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Lyptus, if it were me I would use a card scraper first, then rub down with steel wool or fine abrasive pads and mineral turpentine /spirits. Quicker and less mess, but it depends on your liking for scrapers-or not.Philip Marcou
Edited 6/29/2006 3:06 am by philip
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