Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | May 09, 2003 08:07am | #1

   First of all, you'll want to check to see whether any of that "dark finish" is dirt.  Use a rag dipped in mineral spirits to clean a spot and see what type of finish is visible.  I'll leave the total stripping thing to the experts, who should be along tomorrow morning.  If the piece is stained dark and finished, it'll be a project for sure.

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

2. 
   theRev | May 09, 2003 01:22pm | #2

   I refinished about 20 of those guys a couple of years ago. They were about 100 years old. They had all developed a fine patina of "a** wax", as my partner so politely put it. One pew had quite a hefty build-up of chewing gum in one spot underneath it. A bit unusual for Japan.

   Seriously, it really depends on what your image of the final bench is going to be. And it depends on much work you want to put into it. I would suggest that your first step be a good scrubbing. Good, strong, detergent in warm water applied vigorously with 00 steel wool. Wipe off with a damp towel and then wipe again with a dry one. After you finish this step, you can see if you want to go further into actually removing stain/finish.

   That can be done in various degrees. As FG pointed out, mineral spirits will do a minimal job. Next down the list might be lacquer thinner rubbed in with steel wool. Stronger yet would be acetone or paint stripper. Needless to say, these all require careful use. Last step would be a trip to stripping specialist.

   Hope this helps.

   Scott

1. 
   forestgirl | May 09, 2003 10:31pm | #5

   I was not suggesting the mineral spirits for stripping, but for cleaning!  A small spot to see what the original finish really looks like.  I would do this before (prior to, pre-) getting the whole darned thing wet with soap and water.  My $.02 only.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

3. 
   Gretchen | May 09, 2003 01:36pm | #3

   If you are going to strip it just get some paint/varnish stripper and have at it.  It is probably varnish or at least a clear finish so it will not be difficult job (paint can be just messy).  Flow it on, let it  lift the finish and scrape off with a dull putty knife (so you don't gouge the wood).  Get some 00 steel wool pads and open them out to get maximum use of the surface.  Put on more stripper and wipe off with the grain using the steel wool.  Use a very firm wipe off.  When it looks as if all the finish is removed wipe off THOROUGHLY with mineral spirits--you can use paper towels to remove.  Do not be skimpy with this--stripper has waxes in it that can compromise any finish you put on subsequently.

   Gretchen
4. 
   BG | May 09, 2003 02:04pm | #4

   Nails,

   Assuming its a dark fairly even finish and you want a lighter finish, you'll need to strip and sand.  There aren't any delicate pieces so you can be fairly aggressive.  I just used the 3M stripper on a piece because its a bit more environment friendly.  Also, the church pews can usually be disassembled quite easily...I shortened mine...and that might make it easier to work with.

   Anyhow, you apply the stripper and cover in plastic to let it do its thing for 8-12 hours.  Scrape off wash down and start sanding.  It's messy but if your lucky, like Rev, you'll get some good gum for your effort...lol 

5. 
   cutoffcollector | May 10, 2003 12:25am | #6

   Several years ago I refinished an old oak chest of drawers. It was my first time stripping furniture and there were several coats of different finishes including paint. It was a mess. I started out with a putty knife and rags and then when I got the heavy stuff off, I started using steel wool. I soon found out that steel wool reacts with the oak and I ended up with nasty black, splotchy areas. I bleached all of the exterior surfaces and was able to get rid of the black areas. I stained it Honey Oak it came out beautiful. You may want to take the previous suggestion and use 3M or some other brand of pads.

   Good luck with the project!

   Jon

1. 
   Nails | May 10, 2003 03:27am | #7

   Thanks one and all . I wish each of you were my next door neighbor, your what makes "Knots" such a great place to come to .

2. 
   Gretchen | May 10, 2003 04:02pm | #8

   When using the steel wool on oak you cannot let it stay on the wood or get in contact with water.  Also when stripping do not interrupt your work for a long period--get it over with and get the stripper neutralized.Gretchen