Question
We have a vanity that is very complex in detail that needs to be stripped and refinished, because the wrong stain color was used. It is a fresh finish, just done within the past two weeks. We used Chemcraft high solids conversion varnish for a sealer and post cat Plastofix Light for a topcoat. What chemical concoction will break this finish down? I know stripper will break down non-catalyzed finishes, but will the same stuff work for this mix? Once we get down to the wood, what is the best way to pull pigment out of veneer work? We can sand the solids down to take away any lingering colors, but there is also a bunch of veneer work on it and the stain used was a walnut, and I am sure there will be casts of black throughout it.
The color they want is much lighter than the one used, so I am contemplating just making a new one and using this one as a sample or possibly trying to sell it. I am really concerned that we will not be able to get all the pigment out of the veneer. I am also concerned with the time involved to strip this tougher finish.
Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From Paul Snyder, forum technical advisor:
Removing the CV won't be too tough. A good stripper will loosen its grip enough to wrinkle it and make it pretty easy to remove. Here's some info on stripping:
Once the finish is off, scrub the piece with acetone or lacquer thinner, using a large stiff bristle brush. This will remove the last traces of stripper sludge and pigmented stain. If there's still too much color in the wood, let it dry overnight and then treat it with a solution of oxalic acid wood bleach. The bleach will remove color from dye that was part of the stain. After the bleach dries, wash it off the wood very well, let the wood dry overnight, re-sand, and apply the new finish.
Sometimes it's quicker and easier (meaning cheaper) to make a new piece than refinish. You'll have to guesstimate which way to go. Try stripping some portion of the vanity, a section that's detailed, to get an idea of the amount of effort it's going to take. That'll give you a better feel for which direction you want to go.
