Furniture Stripping Supplies Found in Stores
Removing the old finish from a piece of wood furniture is called stripping, and is the first step in refinishing the piece. It also is the messiest step and requires attention and care when using the products as they contain harmful materials. There are several kinds of paint strippers, but some are quite caustic and dangerous to use. Fortunately, there are safer paint strippers, although you still need good protection and adequate ventilation when using them. Does this Spark an idea?
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Use a Furniture Cleanser
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Before using a paint stripper, clean the old wax buildup and dirt from the piece of furniture to be refinished. This will allow the paint stripper to get straight to the old finish faster and work effectively. Use a good furniture cleanser with a mineral spirits base, applying it with 0000 grade steel wool, removing all old wax, grease and oils.
Choose the Best Paint Stripper
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Strip off the old paint. Most commercial paint strippers contain methylene chloride, which can cause health problems when breathing its fumes or with direct skin contact. Getting it into the eyes or ingesting it can cause worse problems. According to RefinishFurniture.com, Citristrip paint stripping gel is a safer paint stripper. Although this gel is biodegradable, safe for indoor use, and easier on your health and the environment, the Citristrip website recommends wearing chemical splash goggles while working in a well-ventilated work area.
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Soft Cloths and Paper Towels
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Soft cloths and paper towels will come in handy, as there is a lot of wiping to do to remove the initial amount of residue. Paper towels are the least expensive wipers to use in the cleaning process, and it is best to use the most absorbent and softest towels available. After removing the heaviest residue with paper towels and cleanser, use soft cloths and fresh cleaner for a final cleaning, especially on delicate antiques.
A Variety of Brushes
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A variety of brushes do the job. Vegetable brushes are handy for cleaning large surfaces such as large and small tabletops, chair seats and drawers. A good supply of different types and sizes of brushes make a job a lot easier and quicker. Detail and other paintbrushes are musts for applying cleaner in small and tricky places. Small paintbrushes are handy for getting accumulated gunk out of ornate carvings and recessed areas.
Metal Container With a Heavy Lid
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A metal container with a heavy lid is very important for the final cleanup. Materials used for paint stripping are volatile and can cause instantaneous combustion if left in a pile. Never use a plastic bag to store used cleaning or polishing cloths, as doing this is a prime candidate for spontaneous combustion.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wooden furniture image by Dmitry Nikolaev from Fotolia.com Cracked Weathered Paint image by ryasick from Fotolia.com painting exterior image by MichMac from Fotolia.com
