I’m refinishing a mahogany desk. The sides are stained with black blotches and white drippings and who knows what else. It was used in a chemical plant office. All in all though, I’m convinced it doesn’t need to be stripped. But I’ve forgotten the usual sequence. Soap and water. Then mineral spirits. Then … I’ve tried the first two steps with limited success. The stains are mostly still there. I also tried some old Formby’s cleaner I had around, which left a small residue but gave some lustre. I’m prepared to start again with the soap and water if more effort is all that’s needed, but I suspect some refininshing product will be required (when will I know?). Thanks so much. Todd
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Ok. I've read the helpful articles Paul suggested in the "What's varnish" thread. But I still have questions.
1. My desk is commercially made, which makes it likely it's been lacquered. Yes? If so, how do I confirm? lacquer thinner?
2. If it's lacquer, what's the best way to refinish without stripping? And without spraying. And how best to fix the stains, burns(?), etc. Will adding lacquer mix with the old?
3. How best to finish the new mahog top? Lacquer? Or can I use something else? How best to match the color? Stain? Oil mixtures?
I know I've come to the right place with these questions. Thanks, Todd
Todd,
In all seriousness.............buy a copy of Bob Flexner's "Understanding Wood Finishing". You'll save yourself alot of money, time and wasted efforts.
Its really that good of a book huh? ive been looking for something on the subj. Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"
IMHO, this is THE book on essential finishing information. It truly takes the mystery out of what is basically a science of chemistry. I spent twenty years accumulating, through trial and error, the same info that's in this book. If I'd had access to the knowledge in this book back then, I'd have made alot fewer mistakes and alot more money. I envy the folks that have access to this info early on in their woodworking careers. Seems like cheating. While there's always a place for books like those that George Frank has written on the more obscure methodolgies of finishing and coloring, Flexner has revealed 99% of what anyone will ever have need of. All you have to do is buy, read, and comprehend.
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