I recently acquired a dining room table which needs to be stripped and re-finished; I’ve also got a rocking chair needing the same care. I’m 8 months pregnant, and would need a furniture stripper that isn’t going to cause any issues to the baby or myself. I also will need to find a good sealant with the same requirements.
My husband would do it if I asked, but I want to do it myself. It’ll give me something to keep me occupied in this last month or so.
Has anyone got any suggestions?
Check out this company, paying particular attention to Peel-Away 6. Their stuff has gotten good reviews in trade articles that I’ve read. If you have trouble finding it in Bawlmer, shoot me an email. Good luck!
Try a heat gun first. You can usually find one for around $20.00. It heats the paint or varnish to a point it re-liquifies, then you scrape the bubbled up stuff away. Obviously, if it gets hot enough to boil dried paint, it can hurt you, so be very aware where its pointing.
As far as the new finish, anything water based is relatively non-toxic, unless you drink it.
I use Varathane® Crystal Clear Waterborne Diamond Wood Finish.
I’ve refinished 2 outside doors, a fireplace surround, a library table, and several small items. I’ve tried cheaper polyurathane and wasn’t very pleased with the outcome.
Good luck, and be careful!
Send it out and pay someone else to do it.
That would be rather missing the point of the OP.
A heat gun will do a good job of softening old paint. Be careful not to damage the wood! It can scorch shortly after the finish has softened. Some heat guns, when hot , must be rested (on or off) with the outlet pointing UP! If not a thermostat locks the power off till the entire unit cools down.
Thanks to danceswithcats’ suggestion, I now am the owner of a package of Peel-Away 6. And gloves and plastic putty knives. We’ll give it a whirl.
Thanks for all of your suggestions.