Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 16, 2005 10:52am | #1

   I assume you are aware that there are many others that make a "refinishing" concoction -- most are cheaper than Formby's.

   Do you know what kind of finish you are working with? Have you tried plain alcohol or lacquer thinner?

   ********************************************************
   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

1. 
   kandrewk | May 17, 2005 03:56am | #2

   I assume the finish is lacquer because it is a cheaper cabinet. We still have not tried anything. Lacquer has such a smell and it drys so fast I thought it might be hard to work with. I guess i should give it a try.

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 17, 2005 05:22am | #3

   If the finish is lacquer, rubbing it down with lacquer thinner will dissolve the old finish, and kind of reconstitute what's left. It's very fast and easy.If the thinner you first use softens the finish, but doesn't seem to work very fast, go to a play that sells spraying supplies (like Sherwin Williams), and get the stuff they recommend for thinning lac. It is about double the cost, but it is a "hotter" mixture, and will therefore work faster.Do wear a respirator............********************************************************
   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

2. 
   hammer1 | May 17, 2005 04:29pm | #4

   I'm not particularly fond of Formby's or any other liquid in a pan type strippers. You are fully exposed to the fumes and it's nothing but lots of elbow grease, torn gloves and drips. I've tried many strippers but prefer 5F5. It works on everything.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   kandrewk | May 18, 2005 01:44am | #5

   What is 5f5? does it refer to something or is it a product I should know about? Where would i buy it ?

1. 
   hammer1 | May 18, 2005 05:12am | #7

   5F5 is made by Sterling. Most paint stores in my area carry it. It's a semi paste, non-flammable, methylene chloride stripper. There are probably many other companies that make a similar product. I would describe it as a clear loose jelly. Paint it on, let it work and scrape the biggest part off with plastic putty knives. Work the nooks and crannies with rags, brushes or Scotch brite pads. I've tried a lot of different stripping products and this one has been the easiest and most consistent.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   nikkiwood | May 18, 2005 02:06am | #6

   I've never hear of 5f5 either. I think the problem is that some strippers are only available regionally. My favorite semi-paste remover is MARINE STRIP from James B. Day. It is sold here (MN) in a couple of paint stores I frequent, but I've not seen it anywhere else.********************************************************
   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

3. 
   goldhiller | May 18, 2005 05:53pm | #8

   Yes.

   Equal parts of acetone, methanol (wood alcohol), methylene chloride and tolulene.

   Try Sherwin-Williams or similar for these chemicals.

   Edit: Not sure from your description whether this is a newer cabinet or an older cabinet. If newer (say last 15-20 years), odds are you're facing a conversion finish. The liquid stripper won't work as well on this as it would on a nitro-cellulose lacquer. If a conversion finish, stick to the semi-paste strippers.......and a good one at that. Methylene chloride will be your friend here.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

   
   

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   Edited 5/18/2005 11:03 am ET by GOLDHILLER

1. 
   david D | Aug 02, 2014 01:54pm | #9

   Homer Formby used to say...

   I remember part of what Homer Formby used to say would work for his refinisher. It was equal parts of Acetone, Benzene, Xylene (or maybe Xylol) and Tolulene. I think that was all that he mentioned. I am somewhat concerned that there was a fifth ingrediant but I am not positive.He used to tell people that they could make their own refinisher using these ingrediants but that they may be hard to find in stores. That was why he recommended  his formula. His show used to have other tips and mixes for household cleaning and revitalizing. He was a BIG proponent of Tung Oil. During his show he used to state that it was the most expensive oil around, but was impressed with its properties and values.