I’ve just pulled out of storage an old desk that’s been in the family forever that I am told was ‘refinished’ with linseed oil about 30 years ago. It appears that the linseed oil was not wiped off, and you can see the residue on the surface. The drawers stick to the case and anything that is set on the desk eventually sticks to it. I did a search here and found a post where someone said paint stripper would be required to remove cured linseed oil. Is there any other way to just clean it off the surface? It would be nice to find something I could just wipe it down with, without needing to refinish it. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
Replies
I'd start with mineral spirits and a lot of elbow grease.
AS Gretchen says, try mineral spirits first. Apply it first with a rag. If that doesn't do it, use either 0000 steel wool or a gray scotchbrite pad?
What do you plan to do once you get it cleaned up?
Actually I just want to be able to use it for a while before worrying about really refinishing it. I have enough other projects going on already that it isn't feasible for me to do anything extensive with this desk now. Eventually I would like to refinish it. It's a nice drop-front mahogany desk that my mother remembers using in grade school some 60 years ago, and says my grandmother had it for years before that, so it has some sentimental value.
Jerry
I think you are going to find it will clean up better than you think. Have at it!Gretchen
Gretchen, Howie,
Thanks for the tips, I'll let you know how it turns out. I tried mineral spirits on a rag and it didn't make much of a dent, so now its the heavy elbow grease and the steel wool.
Jerry
Jerry,
When mineral spirits isn't enough, I've found that toluene is often helpful. Use lots of ventillation though.
Rich
When mineral spirits isn't enough, I've found that toluene is often helpful. Use lots of ventillation though.
That would be LOTS and LOTS--outside or a respirator or a fan.
Gretchen
Gretchen,
Oh, c'mon. Use a ventilator? Work outside? Afraid of some harmless fumes? That's for sissies. Woodworkers should be tough, rugged, fearless. I have no problem using solvents in my closed workshop.
Um . . . I won't be able to answer questions for a few days . . . have some appointments for brain scans and lab tests . . . nagging problem with pounding headaches, loss of vision in both eyes, ringing in the ears. Nothing serious.
Do you think I should worry about the recent convulsions and loss of feeling in my extremeties?
Rich
I unfortunately learned about toluene the hard way--the pounding headache was the tipoff!!
The double vision just gives you more to enjoy out of life--right?Gretchen
Memory's the second thing to go. I can't remeber the first.
Rich
Before trying all the chemicals, I'd give a shot with a hand scraper. I use one without any hook to clean up old finish. If it just takes off the surface coating, you may have an easier time with what's below that.
Gerry
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