nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Dec 11, 2018 6:31:39 GMT -8
Today I'm playing with ways to remove old polyurethane. Usually I sand but I was wondering if there is a better way. This Shasta has several coats of poly...and who knows what else.
To the right I used Citrus Strip and to the left a sharp edge scraper.
I'm concerned the chemicals may soak into the birch leaving a residue that shellac won't adhere to and I'll have a sticky mess. Scraping still requires sanding but not as much. One of the Wise Ones of our forum offered me good advice but I thought it was worth opening a thread.
Does anybody have experience with chems or scrapping inside panels?
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jeremiah
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Post by jeremiah on Dec 12, 2018 6:00:04 GMT -8
Both, if used properly
Paint removers are great, they must be rinsed off. This raises the grain of the wood and it must be sanded before the new finish is applied. I have do e thousands of furniture pieces. But must be properly cleaned. Good luck
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HOTRODPRIMER
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Post by HOTRODPRIMER on Dec 12, 2018 7:27:20 GMT -8
Strippers do raise the grain but they work much faster,but I prefer after stripping using lacquer thinner to clean before sanding,as far as strippers I never had any luck with the water soluble type, I stick with the chemical type but you need a well ventilated area and should use a respirator.
I like using minwax natural stain to seal the wood before using any other stains or shellac,it helps to seal the wood and keep the finish more uniform. Danny
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Dec 12, 2018 9:50:14 GMT -8
My guess is it would be hard to wash off the panels without soaking them. I'll make it one of my winter experiments.
"I prefer after stripping using lacquer thinner to clean before sanding"
I wonder if denatured alcohol would work as a final cleaner.
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jeremiah
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Post by jeremiah on Dec 12, 2018 9:57:47 GMT -8
I suggest you do an old piece of furniture as an experiment before you jump into anything bigger. That way your guessing won't turn into trouble
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Dec 12, 2018 10:05:21 GMT -8
Good advice.
I always use old panels that come off the camper for testing.
Two members who do quality work have had excellent results with this type of scraper: I ordered one today.
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HOTRODPRIMER
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Post by HOTRODPRIMER on Dec 12, 2018 11:40:03 GMT -8
Lacquer thinner flashes ( dries) much faster than denatured alcohol.
It usually has a combination of ingredients, most often keotone, toluene & acetone. Danny
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turbodaddy
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Post by turbodaddy on Dec 12, 2018 18:21:52 GMT -8
I've used a heat gun and very sharp scraper with good results, then sand.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Dec 13, 2018 5:37:50 GMT -8
I've used a heat gun and very sharp scraper with good results, then sand. I wonder if a heat gun followed by a blade like the one above would work well together? Or it may be too aggressive.
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Post by danrhodes on Dec 17, 2018 15:36:43 GMT -8
I've used a heat gun and very sharp scraper with good results, then sand. I wonder if a heat gun followed by a blade like the one above would work well together? Or it may be too aggressive.
Have you tried your card scraper yet? Curious if I should continue recommending...it can be tricky to get right and even more to keep sharp. |
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Dec 17, 2018 16:53:28 GMT -8
I used it yesterday and was happy with the results. It takes off most of the poly without damaging the wood. You were right, it still needs a quick sanding if all the finish needs taken off.
I watched a video on sharpening and that seems like the downside of this tool. It needs flattened then smoothed on the side then a hook or ledge. Seems time consuming and requires tools people may not have. I'll keep you posted on the sharpening. |
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Post by danrhodes on Dec 17, 2018 17:38:21 GMT -8
I run it on a file, then my diamond stone, then use a standard nail set tool to turn the burr...any hard metal works, just wear gloves. Like a sharp knife, you can usually feel when its right. I used it yesterday and was happy with the results. It takes off most of the poly without damaging the wood. You were right, it still needs a quick sanding if all the finish needs taken off.
I watched a video on sharpening and that seems like the downside of this tool. It needs flattened then smoothed on the side then a hook or ledge. Seems time consuming and requires tools people may not have. I'll keep you posted on the sharpening. |
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Dec 23, 2018 9:46:08 GMT -8
Do not use lacquer thinner in your trailer. Even with a mask fumes will be a nasty addition to every breath you take, and in addition, it can cause a big boom if the fan you think "should take care of it" happens to make a little spark. In the wood shop we used a high volume explosion proof fan which is probably not what you have on hand.
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Dec 23, 2018 9:52:12 GMT -8
Scraper hint: after you flatten the working edge with a fine file, gently round the two corners a bit so they don't cut into the work surface accidently. I use a double cut *******; you can get em at any hardware store.
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