Replies

1. 
   MarkRD | Mar 11, 2005 03:33am | #1

   Zip strip pretty much does not care what the finish is...

   Mark

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

2. 
   forestgirl | Mar 11, 2005 08:21am | #2

   It's true that methylene chloride doesn't "care" what the finish is, but it's also nasty stuff, so if you can get by with something gentler, might as well. 

   The traditional 3-step test is to dab with a big of denatured alcohol, if the finish gums it's shellace.  If it doesn't, then go to a dab of lacquer thinner.  If that doesn't dissolve the finish, then to the big guns.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

3. 
   Gretchen | Mar 11, 2005 04:43pm | #3

   While I use stripper on varnish (and certainly paint), if the finish is shellac then the stripping process is much easier.  As Forest Girl has suggested, rub the surface with some denatured alcohol.  If the finish softens and becomes sticky, then use denatured alcohol to remove it. 
   Otherwise, and even for lacquer, I would use a stripper.  If it is not paint, then even the "green" strippers will probably remove it and not be quite so "nasty" as MC stripper.  However, theywill be quick. Use outside in good ventilation and just get the job done.

   Gretchen
4. 
   sawdustmaker | Mar 12, 2005 01:25am | #4

   Is the top solid oak? If it is veneered, the blistering may be a whole other issue, such as lifting veneer.

1. 
   woodshoplast | Mar 12, 2005 03:15am | #5

   No, it is not solid oak. It is a venere about 1/8 ' thick. I've already striped, filled pores, sealed , and it looks great. It was blister. All is working well thanks to all who responded. Been telling my friends that "solid wood" sales pitch don't mean solid wood unless you count particle board. 

1. 
   sawdustmaker | Mar 12, 2005 11:34am | #6

   I used to work for a furniture store as a refinisher / repairman. The sales staff was told to tout the "solid wood construction" of some of the pieces, even though it was veneer over particle board, MDF, or some low grade wood. Many "low end" pieces are glorified contact paper over particle board. Looks good until you use it once.Glad everything worked out for you!