Refinish this table?
by
Patricia
+11
I scored this Mersman table for $5! Sadly, someone did an awful job painting it black. I’d love to strip to the natural wood, but don’t know what to use and how to do it. Obviously I can’t scrape the legs and spindles. Any help is greatly appreciated!
First you will need to strip the paint. I would go with a chemical stripper and a plastic scraper so that you don't damage the wood. Instead of sanding, use fine steel wool if you can. Then clean with denatured alcohol. After that you can stain and seal or if the wood is pretty enough you can seal without staining.
Citristrip is a great non-toxic stripper. Here's an instructional link for you:
https://decorhint.com/how-to-use-citristrip/
Beautiful table!
Citristrip will work well for both the tabletop and the legs. Work in sections by applying the stripper, adding a layer of saran wrap or a plastic bag and wait. Then use a plastic scrapper or even soft spatula to remove the stripper and paint. You can use the stripper on the legs, and a spatula with some "give" to remove the mixture. Depending on how many coats of paint, you may need to repeat. You can purchase a sponge type sanding tool that you can sand all the curves in the leg spindles. When you've got the finish back to bare wood, then you can decide whether to stain, paint, or clear seal the table.
here is info for you
https://www.performance-painting.com/blog/5-tips-for-removing-paint-from-furniture#:~:text=Apply%20lacquer%20thinner%2C%20denatured%20alcohol,to%20remove%20the%20entire%20finish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8ugxC62STs
My 'go-to' paint remover is Citristrip. Follow the directions on the label. It also helps to cover it with plastic wrap to keep the solution wet and working.
I sure don't find deals like this very good job on your purchase.
I use Citristrip. I like that it isn't stinky (the smell of chemicals) but is very effective. Easy to work and I didn't have a problem with it dripping all over.
Thank you to everyone!
Citristrip stripper to remove the paint. For the legs you can use the stripper. A red or green Scotch Brite pad. Red is more coarse. Won't harm the wood. A small brass brush for curves, nooks, and crannies. Won't harm the wood either. Sisal rope in a sawing motion for fine indents on the curved spindles.
Definitely get Citrastrip. You can also use it on the legs. Use a plastic scraper and an old tooth brush to get all the legs clean. Then use a sanding sponge and go over it all. You will then be able to stain or paint the table in you choice of colors. If you paint I would use a sprayer to avoid brush storkes.
You can use a gel stripper with a fine steel wool for tricky spots. Be sure to wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection.
Citristrip is the paint stripper I always use. Observe the instructions on the package. To keep the solution moist and functioning, covering it with plastic wrap is also beneficial.