I'm stripping an old wooden table. What should I use after I'm done stripping the wood?

Question

I can't remember if it's mineral spirits or what to prepare it for new stain.

Answer 1

How about a nice cold beer?

Answer 2

I agree with everyone who said read the specific directions for the product. I'll also tell you some tricks to help you in the next steps. I've used these for years with outstanding results. You can try them on some scrap wood prior to using them on your piece. 1) Never use a sandpaper on wood with a heavier grit than 360. Think of wood as a bundle of fibers. When you sand wood you actually shred the fibers as opposed to cutting them cleanly as you would with a plane. The finer the grit the less damage you will do to the fibers. Heavier grits will tend to raise the grain and ruin the piece. 2) Always finish sanding with 400 grit. 3) Before staining with an oil based stain such as minwax, wet the surface with a rag soaked in mineral spirits. Get it good and wet then quickly wipe with a dry cloth. Apply stain immediately. You'll get a nice even stain result free of blotches even on pine and other soft sappy woods. Like I said if you're at all doubtful try it on scrap wood you'll love the results. As a final thought, I know that poly finishes are very popular today but for my money nothing beats a lacquer finish. Apply multiple coats sanding with 500 grit between coats. You won't believe the depth you add to the piece. To me the poly finishes make furniture look plastic coated. Good Luck

Answer 3

Sand first with very fine sandpaper, wipe with a tack cloth and mineral spirits, then when you're sure it's clean and dry, apply a sealer prior to staining as this seals the raw wood and the stain will cover more evenly.

Answer 4

go with the mineral spirits. you wouldn't want your stain to 'boil' by using something more harsh also do a good sanding job let stand for 24hrs before staining

Answer 5

sand paper
sand with the grain
then use a finer sand paper
It should look beautiful.
Are you planning to stain it or use a clear finish. Even a clear finish will make the wood darker.

Answer 6

When I strip my wood I don't care.(joke)
But you need to read the labels on everything carefully...some products require additional work prior to use.....not to mention the wood may not be compatable to what you want.....if you can get a piece of the wood you have...experiment 1st.
Good luck.

Answer 7

steel wool it first then mineral spirits is goodonce you stain it you can polyurethane it or laquer it to protect it

Answer 8

Try Formby's Furniture Kits, you might be able to get it on Ebay or Craigslist.

Answer 9

laquer thinner to clean it up, sand it smooth and finish it with stain or paint let it dry well before you do your finish work.

Answer 10

You will need a sealer