Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Dec 12, 2007 04:34pm | #1

   Bob,

   Welcome to the restoration waters. The first thing I can tell you is to read some of the finishing books out there and take the time to practice with samples. When your hands start to feel what the written word is explaining it starts to become clear.

   That said, the books for the most part are describing new wood. You will run into all sorts of problems that will need solving.

   Early on I had to refinish a number of stripped pieces that had what we call a "bleeding red dye" in them. They were pieces from the 20's and 30's. After the finish was off the surface had this strong pinkish red cast to it.

   I went ahead and sanded it down to bare wood ( and I mean every nook and cranny) prior to staining and refinishing. It took way too long and I probably made five dollars an hour when all was said and done.

   As I progressed I realized that good color knowledge would be a great aid.

   If I ran into that problem today, I would just use a little raw umber, a greenish brown, to neutralize the red. Green is the complimentary color to red. Take the time to learn color. You'll be very glad you did.

   Concerning your armoire;

   The stain was probably a penetrating oil stain and the stripper won't get it off. That's where sanding or mechanical removal starts.

   If it is solid wood you can sand with 150 or 180 grit paper. If it is veneer, you may have to bleach it out as sandpaper such as above , will cut through the thin wood revealing the substrate. Do your best to avoid that.

   You may never get the dark satin out completely. Are you planning on re-staining the piece? If so that will also aid you in tying everything together.

   It takes time to learn. I know this well as I'm self taught and still learning everyday.

   Good luck.

   Peter

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

1. 
   bobk67 | Dec 12, 2007 11:20pm | #2

   Peter,

               Thank you for your advice.I will probably have to sand it out but at least I know why the stripper wont work now , thanks. I did'nt know about deep penatrating stains.I have been trying to find info on stain removal but so far all I can find for the most part is paint and varnish removal and how to finish. I will keep plugging away and am enjoying the learning process. The piece is veniered on top,sides,and doors but is solid on frame and legs so sanding the legs is possible, but I was hoping for a easy way out,o well.

                                                                           Thanks again for your help

                                                                                                            Bob