How do i efficiently remove old varnish from twisty spindle like wood?
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I recently acquired a beautiful old barley twist desk which there was no way around refinishing. I had a hard enough time successfully removing most the old varnish from the flat wood using chemical remover, a scraper, and hand sanding and using a sander. Now those pesky spindles are left and I can't be too aggressive with them. I'm worried I won't ever get it off because I had a hard enough time using what I did on the easier parts... Help! It's got me at a loss.
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Maybe try citrus based remover? I've had success with that. Put the remover on (it's safe to use inside), let it soak for a bit and then go wipe it off. You can try using those green scrubbies they sell for cleaning pots and pans, since they will work around the spindles.
Try using Citristrip. Coat the spindles well with it and then wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave it for 12-24 hours. You will be amazed at how much work it did for you!
If you use Citristrip, be careful to not let it dry. I made that mistake and it was a horrible mess to remove.
Citristrip stripper and a small brass brush. For sanding wrap some sand paper around a sponge, overlap sand paper on the back of a magazine, rough twine gets into spindle crevices .
Hi Jacqueline, hope this helps you out.
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/refinish-wood-spindles-99556.html