stripping dining setting and varnish

[Goldy]

I have just inherited a dinning setting ands is 100+ years old but with all good intention the previous owners tried to restore the finish. It has been varnished and the finish is okay but done propaly would greaty inprove the setting. It was originaly stained but not varnished.

Basicaly whats the best way to go about stripping off the old varnish and basicaly starting from scratch. Ore is it best to give the whole setting to a restorer.


Thanks

Goldy

[BrianT]

Morning Goldy,

As a hobbyist with furniture restoration, I used to jump in and strip everything regardless of whether it was really necessary. I soon learnt a lesson - strip ONLY if you really have to do it.

Ubeaut furniture restorer and EE can often do the job.

In any case call in and have a chat with Robyn Douglas the manager @ Haymes Paints 22 Main North Rd Prospect. 8344 9618.

Also have a chat with John @ Oxford Antique restorations, 203 Unley Rd Unley 8272 7501, so you may at least get an idea of cost comparisons.

Check with pro. paint strippers but DO NOT use the caustic system - as earlier discussed in the 'stripping doors thread'.

Doing your homework before will stop the likelyhood of chucking the table on fire out of frustration.

I have found Haymes Paint Stripper to be the best.

Good stripping

Brian @ Burra

[Goldy]

Thanks brian you have a point had some friends look at it who are into antiques and said the same thing. The finish it has now is has been done professionaly and is the best you are going to get, because of the type of wood will always apear the way it does abit rough and not perfectly finished. I would do more damage than good.

Like you said would end up with expense firewood. Might try a few small projects first.

thanks goldy.