Progress so far.
How do I strip varnish off the top of Formica?
+14
I’m restoring a MCM buffet and I’ve determined some previous owner put a lumpy peeling coat of varnish on the Formica top and it’s got to go. Paint stripper might melt the plastic laminate and I thought about acetone. I do not want to sand it, as that will ruin what’s left of the plastic laminate top. Maybe wet or dry 1000 grit? I don’t want to spend 3 hours hand sanding 🤷🏼♀️I can fix the edgebanding, that’s not my question. TIA.
My question is about the top, not the edge.
I would consider trying Citra strip, its a "natural" paint stripper that is far less toxic and harsh than regular paint strippers.
I considered that now that their new formula is not as strong as the old one. Thanks
there is a varnish stripper available on paint store use that as that's the best product otherwise mineral sprite would also do it.
I'd go with Blue Bear SOY GEL paint stripper. It is low VOC can be used inside and is not as harsh as citrus strip. It's made from soy beans. Here is a post on it and where you can buy it from. Hope that helps!
https://letspaintfurniture.com/the-best-paint-stripper/
that piece of furniture is simply beautiful! What is wrong with it?
I’m going to write the Formica corporation’s Tech Services Dept unless someone has found verbiage on the stripper can that says it’s safe to use on Plastic Laminate. (Formica is a trade name).
The gouge is only the edge banding & I can easily address that bit.
Acetone will destroy the laminate as well. I would, as you mentioned, reach out to the Formica people to find the best solution. I'd be hesitant to use any chemicals. I know sanding is super not appealing but it might be the safest route.
Are you sure the top is Formica. Some of those tops are a printed grain and will dissolve with any kind of strippage.
Have you considered adding new veneer to the top.
https://www.woodcraft.com/categories/veneer?length%5B%5D=8%27&length%5B%5D=48%22&width%5B%5D=2%27
The wood grain on that base is awesome BTW.
There are two good options, either rub with an eccentric sander or a paint remover and wait 10 minutes then peel off the leftovers
Since my fingernail makes it peel, I’m going to go buy a fresh Bondo spatula (plastic) at Auto Zone & try peeling it off instead of breaking my nails off.
Meanwhile I wrote Formica’s Tech Services a query.
I spoke to Formica Technical Services today:
They said use either 100% acetone
or
100% mineral spirts
IF
there are no White Scratches showing.
They said their Cap Sheet’s substrate is white.
They said the HPL Top Coat is clear Melamine. & mine is pre-VOC Regs era.
I will use mineral spirits because it is less “hot” and gives me more time.