How to safely strip a roll top desk?
by Jerry
+2
I am refinishing a roll top desk and need to strip the finish off the slatted rolling part. Will Citrustrip damage the cloth backing if I use it sparingly? Can I apply some duct tape over the cloth backing to reinforce it? Thank you.
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Re-doing a roll top is NIGHTMARE--- leave the whole thing aone is my advice! You don't want to go through all of that agony! and mess!! NO- on the duct tape idea --- it also is a nightmare, and pull the backing apart when you try to remove it. Also-- IF this desk is a valuable antique item -- you DE-value it by refinishing-- LEAVE IT ALONE!
Not too sure, but what else could you do.. is the finish so bad you can't just sand off that part?
Gee SpudBread, Chill out. Take a breath, you're going to give yourself a stroke. Also, it's not necessary to raise your voice. I have been refinishing furniture for years, but this is my first roll top desk. I am doing it for a friend of a friend, and it is not an antique. I am down to the last part now, the actual roll top. I need to remove the clear coat so that I can try to match the stain. At some time, someone left a can of some caustic material on top of the desk, it leaked, and ran down the roll top onto the desk top. The affected areas are almost white instead of golden oak.
Kelli - thank you, but I need to remove all the clear coating to try to make a match. Appreciate your suggestion.
You can use a stripper that is all natural (no chemicals). Not sure how it would affect the backing. It should not affect the stain though.
https://www.amazon.com/Citristrip-QCSG801-Paint-Varnish-Stripping/dp/B07LF8T6PM/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3883SGHHODNV0&keywords=wood+stripping+products&qid=1561732439&s=gateway&sprefix=Wood+stri%2Caps%2C208&sr=8-2
Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions.