question on staining/painting furnature

[RGD.]

Originally Posted by cigarmonkel

Can you tell what kind of stain it is by looking at it? Like if we took a leaf into home depot would they be able to recommend a stain remover? Or is it more of a "if you bought company X stain you want to buy company X stain remover"?

Most decent furniture has a lacquer finish. Depending on the age though it could have a cut shellac finish. Shellac is really a universal primer so no need to totally strip if getting painted. Lacquer on the other hand needs to be removed/prepped prior to most anything being done to it. It could also have a poly finish - if it's really shiny.

If the furniture is just showing it's age due to scratches and such - why not try either some Old English polish (which has dyes in it) or maybe one of the Formby kits. Even a wiping stain may help. I really hate to see furniture get painted - for one if it's not done correctly it will just end up coming off and then you have an even worse mess.

Again - it's okay to let old furniture show it's age. Clean it, polish it and enjoy it.


Ron