Revarnishing Dining Table

[max5445]

Have just purchased a second hand table that is medium oak colour, however I want it to be dark oak colour, what is the best way to strip it, sand it down or use a varnish stripper? Or is there another method to use?

[Colin Howkins]

Max,

Not too sure which part of the world you live in, but it might be worth while looking in your yellow page or googling strippers [not the naughty ones] - paint strippers.

Generally these people have tanks into which the whole piece is immersed and they come out with all varnish and paint removed, but a little bit furry, and then you sand away.

If this is not an option, a method that I have used is paint stripper and a water blaster, this also allows you to get into all the nooks and crannies. If you are using a stripper you need to find its neutralizer and after you have blasted everthing off hit it with the neutralizing solution.

Let it dry for a week or so before progressing further

Good luck

[max5445]

Thanks Colin, I think i will go for the dipping method as you mentioned, there is a place near me that does that (did'nt think of it before), i have four chairs that need doing as well, so that seems an easier way. Many thanks again.

From freezing cold england