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

Yes. Correct. Mineral Spirits. And fine brushes, tooth brushes, fine steelwool, etc. Then, let dry for 24/48 hours. Then pre-treat wood with conditioner if it is pourous (pine,etc.) before staining,
Stain with the grain.

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

Depending on the kind of wood,you can use a light solution of soap and water to remove any residue from the stripper,it may raise the grain of the wood abit,but I assume that you still have some final sanding to do,the if the texture is to your liking,then you can use a good oil based stain--good luck

Answer 4

You can wipe down with mineral spirits, but I use a damp cloth to remove any excess stripper. Sand with 220 grit sandpaper and tac off the dust. Apply stain, let dry then go over lightly with 0000 steel wool tac off again and finish with several coats of poly lightly sanding between coats.

Answer 5

Hi! My name is Eunice Saunders and I know the answer to your question! If you will look on the bottle/can of the brand of stripper that you are using it will give instruction on what type of cleaning solution to use to neutralize your stripper. Some will call for mineral spirits, vinegar, soap and water. It will depend on the type of stripper that you are using. Hope this will help! Visit my web site: http://agentsaunders.listingbook.com also check out my blog on 360!