Replies

1. 
   bill_1010 | Oct 03, 2003 09:54pm | #1

   get a q-tip and soak one end in something like laquer thinner or MEK.  Rub that moist end on the finish.  If you start to pull up finish its laquer based. If not its most likely poly or varnish.  If they are older stools alcohol on the q-tip would mean its shellac.  

2. 
   forestgirl | Oct 03, 2003 11:36pm | #2

   The traditional process for determining an unknown finish is to test 1st with denatured alcohol, then with lacquer thinner, then with Methylene Chloride (paint remover).

   If the stools were obviously made after, say, 1940 then the chances of them being finished with shellac are negligible.  If you want to go straight to the paint remover, it'll work on lacquer in addition to varnish, but it's kinda nasty.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

3. 
   silver77 | Oct 04, 2003 05:55pm | #3

   There is a safe stripper called Citristrip that is very effective...brush on using gloves and googles...let it do it's thing...scrape off.

   Scrub with tsp substitute...then  scrub with clear water...let dry... sand ...refinish

   no problem

   silver

1. 
   Gretchen | Oct 04, 2003 06:41pm | #4

   There is a safe stripper called Citristrip that is very effective...brush on using gloves and googles...let it do it's thing...scrape off.

   This may be okay for your clear finish but for paint a methylene chloride stripper is much more effective and cost effective.Gretchen

4. 
   HowardAcheson | Oct 04, 2003 07:09pm | #5

   If I'm going to completely strip the finish, I don't worry about what type it is. I go straight to either Strypeze or BIX. Both are heavy with methylene chloride which is the fastest, most agressive stripper. It also has the most cautions. Follow the directions and you will be fine.

   Many of the "safer" stripper--none are safe--do not do a good job on finishes like old varnish, polyurethane and generally won't touch the newer polyester finishes.

   Consider also taking them to a commercial stripper. For some items, it is the most cost effective way of getting it done.

   
   

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   Edited 10/4/2003 12:15:56 PM ET by Howie

1. 
   jimmyk | Oct 06, 2003 05:12pm | #6

   Thanks to all of you. The finish came off very easily with alcohol.

1. 
   forestgirl | Oct 06, 2003 06:54pm | #7

   Really?!  Shellac, eh?  Must be "vintage" barstools.  Glad it was an easy task.  DNA is much easier to work with than those other solvents.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   Gretchen | Oct 07, 2003 02:56pm | #8

   Then let me be sure you did it completely--when you wipe with clean alcohol is there no further color coming off?Gretchen