Bureau desk

[deaker]

Hi there folks,
Simple question for you, someone has donated an old bureau desk to me. It's nothing flash (they were going to throw it out) so I've decided to restore it to get some practice at such things.
It currently has it's original shellac finish which is in poor condition. How do I remove the shellac? will paint stripper do? I was told to use steel wool and turps.
OR can I sand it down at bit and then apply the new shellac over the old one.
I do have Neil's book, but I can't find anything about removing shellac.

Cheers for the help.

[craigb]

I believe that metho rather than turps will do the job for you. It's very messy though.

[deaker]

Oops sorry, meant metho. Didn't have the brain engaged.

[Mick4412]

Deaker,
Use Metho & Steel wool.
Let a good layer of metho sit for a while to soften the Shellac, then get to work with the steel wool. Repeat the process when the S/wool becomes clogged. A bit messy, yes, but much easier than removing with paint stripper, which needs to be thoroughly washed off - adding undesirable moisture to the timber
Last one I did a month or two back was an 1860 Canadian Cedar Organ, which I have sinced restored as a Writing Desk. Took me several days, but the result was worth it
mick