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05-23-2010, 07:14 AM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,294
M.O.C. #311
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refinishing computer desk in Monty
For you wood workers.
I perspire easy and there is now a darker color stain where my arm is on the wooden desk.
What is your recommendation for refinishing the desk top.
How and what would I use to strip it, if that is part of the process? What kid of finish do you recommend.
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05-23-2010, 07:41 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Oakland
Posts: 887
M.O.C. #5811
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Before stripping the top, try cleaning the area with a little paint thinner or mineral spirits and see if that cleans up the top. If that doesn't work, try Formby's Furniture Refinisher. I would leave stripping the top as a last resort. If you do strip the it, try to remove the top and do the work outside, stripping is very messy.
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05-23-2010, 09:26 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 617
M.O.C. #9380
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Before you strip it or do anything else try this...
The finish is most likely lacquer which can be damaged with moisture (makes it turn white, usually) Take a little denatured alcohol on a soft cloth and swipe the damaged area with a single pass. Let the alcohol flash dry. The idea is to gently 'remelt' the surface. Repeat it if it seems to be having an affect. You don't want to remove the finish or do it too wet as it will change the sheen relative to the other areas. If that doesn't work try mixing the alcohol with a bit of lacquer thinner and do the same process.
If it works you're home free. If it changes the sheen you can go ahead and strip it.
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05-23-2010, 11:16 AM
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#4
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Tuscarora
Posts: 484
M.O.C. #10026
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by H. John Kohl
For you wood workers.
I perspire easy and there is now a darker color stain where my arm is on the wooden desk.
What is your recommendation for refinishing the desk top.
How and what would I use to strip it, if that is part of the process? What kid of finish do you recommend.
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Hi John,
I'm going to assume this is solid wood, probably oak ? Dark/black stains in oak are consistently removed using oaxalic crystals mixed in hot water. It takes a "touch", but not really anything "professional" about it. You just need to be careful, but the end result will be worth it. Oaxalic acid is wood "bleach". You WILL have to clear coat the top when done....maybe a touch of stain first, depending on the rest of the piece. I can give you blow by blow steps, if you decide to go this route.
Lemme know.
Bill
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05-23-2010, 12:58 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2003
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,294
M.O.C. #311
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Bill,
Since you are going to be at the NE Rally I will wait and let you see it then you can give me the real advise.
Thanks to all who commented.
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05-23-2010, 03:50 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dillon KOA
Posts: 1,291
M.O.C. #7445
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John, that dark space is sort of like the wrinkles on my face--I earned them by hard work, and by golly, they're staying! Your desk stain is your "work wrinkle," proof that you've been more than eye candy for your wife. Maybe the stain should stay.
However, you've received several good suggestions for removing that dark area, so I'm sure you'll have your desk restored in no time. I've had a lot of experience using Formby's Furniture Refinisher (when we had an antique shop and refinished furniture from time to time), and I nearly always had good results with it. Stripping and refinishing that desktop would be my very last choice for a fix.
Carolyn
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05-23-2010, 04:23 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bonita Springs
Posts: 1,943
M.O.C. #6977
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John;;Be very careful of the fumes from all these oils or what every you put on it ;;VENTALATE it very good so no fire sailer
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05-23-2010, 05:15 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Silver Springs
Posts: 2,873
M.O.C. #2716
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I like Sailors warning but Carolyn has hit the nail on the head.. Why change?
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