Refinishing old hope chest ?
by
Robyn
+22
I used citristrip. I scraped it off but there is still spots that it didn’t work on. Can I just put more on or should I clean it first then strip the spots. This was more then I could handle but I can’t quit now
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Stripping is quite a lot of work! Yes, you can keep applying the stripper. You may need different types of scrubbers or brushes to help you get into tight or carved areas. You can clean it and continue to strip as well.
Thank you
Once the Citristrip gets off the majority of the old varnish, paint, etc I take a bit of Kleen Strip--a more traditional stripper--and steel wool to get all the gummy gunk off from the Citristrip. Use a fine steel wool pad and dip it into the Kleen strip--working with the grain of the wood. You will go through a few pads because the first ones you use will get clogged up with gunk and you will just be wiping it around if you don't change pads. Wear rubber gloves to do this. It will quickly get you down to the wood. Stripping is a lot of work but if you have a beautiful wood piece you will be proud that you were able to bring it back and looking better.
Go to the dollar store and get a package of green scrubbies. Put the Citristrip on, let it be for about 20 minutes. Scrub it off. I know what you mean about more than you can handle. I have gotten myself in that position too. Then you get so far, and just want to keep going. What I suggest is only work on it a couple of hours a day. It may take a week or two but it will be worth it in the end.
Could you use fine sandpaper and sand the areas the citistrip didn't work very well? Many of the ideas I found for stripping furniture said to use a fine grit sandpaper for stubborn areas. I would go lightly at first and see if that works. Good luck to you
I refinished my old cedar chest last year. I used a hand sander and sanded thru the old finish. When I got down to bare wood I primed and then added several very light coats of paint. I am going to add new upholstery on the cushioned seat (or lid).
Instead of buying new hardware I threw the old stuff in a crock pot in a Dawn water solution. Cover and cook on low for several hours. That not only cleans but loosens any paint that may be on it.
So in the end the cedar chest got a new paint job, hardware that looked new and new material on the cushioned seat. Very happy with the results!
Hello Robyn,
Leave it until you feel like doing it again as a rushed job will always be disappointing! With the world situation as it is, there will be time to do it don't panic. Take your time and enjoy the journey, it will be well worth it all in the end!!
Keep well.......
Citristrip is safer to use, but doesn't work as fast, and dries quicker than the old (dangerous) chemicals. I have learned to work in smaller sections. I took a class where a pro taught me to to use plain old SOS pads or Brillo pads to work the stripper into the old finish. I have also used soft bristle scrub brushes and the green scrub pads from the dollar store. Use a plastic scraper if you have one to scoop and scrape the gunk that comes off. If it dries on you, wet it with more Citristrip. Clean off the residue (I use a little soap and water and a rag) and let it dry completely. Now is when I sand. You can sand off any remaining finish and smooth the finish out. A palm sander is your friend for a project like this. Go with the grain of the wood, scraping, and sanding. I like to clean sawdust off with a barely damp microfiber cloth. You don't want a speck of dust or sawdust when you are ready to refinish it. Stay safe!
Hey Robyn, I am not sure what finish you are going for, but if you don't mind painting it, you can give it a beautiful finish with chalk paint! Otherwise I would just repeat what you did on the spots that didn't clear, don't worry about cleaning them first. Then proceed to refinish the wood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbCIQ5P-V7Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I4FR_X8-1Y
You can continue with stripping or clean up and strip the patches. Either way. You will need some green kitchen scrubbies, brass brush to get detail work, and steel wool
Just keep at it. Be careful using an electric palm sander if the piece is veneer, you can sand thru it and ruin it for a wood finish. Stripping takes great patience but a new finish is worth it. Good luck.
Hi Robyn. I recommend that you continue with what you have started. Use the Citristrip on just the dark spots. and work thru it. Don't try to finish the whole thing at once. Set yourself a time budget and stick to it. You will enjoy the process much more. Good luck Robyn.
Thank you
I would continue with just applying to the spots that are left. I have a hope chest I've been wanting to do as well. Can't wait to hear your experience.
Some times you do need to redo it more than once. If its a small stop, and you plan on sanding, you might just be able to sand it
Thank you
You can try to sand it lightly if a second coat of stripper doesn't work.