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Thread: Bureau desk

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Sydney
    Age
    58
    Posts
    5

    Question Bureau desk

    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.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Sydney, NSW, Australia
    Posts
    1,981

    Default

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

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Sydney
    Age
    58
    Posts
    5

    Red face

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

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Donvale, Vic
    Posts
    17

    Default

    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

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