WIP small silky oak desk

[brizylad]

G'day All,

Bought a desk for my son, who starts prep next year, but it is painted in lovely (not) 70's lime green.

I will post some photos when I reduce the file size.

Question...I have remove 99.9% of the paint from the top, but there is white undercoat still in the grain. I am using 0000 steel wool and metho, which seems to be working, but I was wondering if acetone may be better.

Stuart J.

[hap97]

This is a copy of an earlier post.
Paint will stay in the grain of oak.
I use a feast watson "Old Baltic Pine" Stain to reduce the appearance of the white.

Stripping Paint: Method of stripping I use...

• I find the best stripper is the methyl chloride variety (any brand)
• Paint on stripper and leave until paint softens.
• Strip off using a paint scrapper.
• Apply another coat of stripper.
• If more paint is to be stripped then use a paint scraper OR
• If majority of paint has been removed then use coarse steel wool to remove residue.
• Finally wash the surface with metho and steel wool. (This should remove all the paint on timber, but if oak and open grain then some paint remains in the grain.)
• I suggest leaving the door until last. Get the skill required first on drawers. The paint in the corners of the door panel can be removed with a point or sharp knife.

Cleaning timber surface:

• What sort of sander do you have?
• If you need to buy a sander, consider purchasing a 125mm random orbital sander. (It will do the majority of sanding tasks.)
• Sand all exterior surfaces with 80 or 120 grit.
• Fill all holes and gaps with wood stop. (If new handles are used the screw pitch could be different!)

Finish:

• A clear finish will look attractive.
• If the cabinet is to be painted, then do it in enamel, undercoat and top coat.
• What finish do you intend to use?

Hilton

[brizylad]

I remember reading your post when it came up in my searches.

I have a belt and orbital sander. Haven't used the belt on the desk yet, but I think I used the orbital with 80 grit before I took the photos.

I want to do a clear finish following Wongo's instructions. I have had good results in the past.

Stuart J.