Replies

1. 
   notDusty | Feb 10, 2005 08:25am | #1

               Hi kc ,

        On the spindles you can try your chemical stripper , by brushing it on a good coat let it work until you see the finish lifting and such , what I have done is used a glove with steel wool to work the finish and stripper off the spindles . Depending on the specifics of the stripper you are using lacquer thinner can be used with the steel wool and a wet thinner rag to rinse the spindles clean . Sanding them clean usually is not an option .

                good  luck                      dusty

1. 
   kcbuilder | Feb 10, 2005 08:31am | #2

   Thanks for the input.  I am quickly realizing that sanding the spindles is not an time friendly option.  Any thoughts on which chemical stripper is the best? 

    

    

                                           I sent PETA steaks for Christmas.

    

    

    

   Edited 2/10/2005 12:32 am ET by kcbuilder

1. 
   notDusty | Feb 10, 2005 08:51am | #3

           kc ,

                The very best I know of is made by BENCO , there are several types a thin and a thicker type and it may be marketed under several different brand names in different parts of the country . Bix is another name it has been sold as. Do a search on Benco stripper and you may find the nearest supplier . Methleyne Chloride is the active ingredient and this is some hot stuff literally it can be heated to make it even more effective . Follow all safety guidelines and by all means use proper ventilation and safety precautions .

                                         dusty

2. 
   Gretchen | Feb 10, 2005 03:28pm | #4

   I really hate to hear about sanding to remove finish. It will remove any sort of patina the wood has gained over the years.  To remove finish from spindles get one of the brass brushes to scrub around the turnings. I also use 00 steel wool to remove the paint sludge.Gretchen

2. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 10, 2005 05:26pm | #5

   Here are three thoughts on the issues you pose:

   1) First, if the chairs have a dark stain, it is unlikely that you will be able to remove all the stain residue, no matter what type of stripper you use. Generally, I strip what I can, sand lightly, and restain with a color that is perhaps lighter than the original, but compatible in hue.

   You could try to remove more stain, if you choose, by use two lightening agents that are standard -- oxalic acid and/or a two part wood bleach.

   2) For the spindles, brass brushes, steel wool, or Scotch Brite pads are your best alternatives. If you have access to them, planer shavings also work well.

   3) Which stripper. I have never found any of the "safe" strippers to be consistently effective. I recommend anything with methylene chloride -- but enough of that ingredient so that the stripper is labeled "nonflammable." I use a product (from my local paint store) made by Day, called "Marine Strip."

   Paint stores are more likely to carry these more heavy duty strippers than home centers.