In furniture restoration does dipping a chest of drawers in a acid bath damage the wood?

Question

this is an old chest of drawers that someone has painted with white gloss

Answer 1

It can and this process should never be done on a true heirloom or piece that is highly valuable, collectible or irreplacable.

Age, condition, size, and type of wood will make the process behave differently and so the results are not always reliable.

It definitely does work, fast too, and for things that are very large such as tables, hutches, etc, it is an alternative way to redo a piece quickly.

You need to use a reliable, well known and trust worthy person to do it, one that uses good technique, uses good quality materials and keeps a clean shop/premises.

Ask auction houses in your area who they use, or ask them for a referral or recommendation.

Get three names, call around to each and ask questions as to insurance coverage if the piece is damaged due to stripping, price if the piece needs to be redipped, who does the drop off and delivery of the piece and for how much, do they give bulk discounts for a dining room set with chairs versus cost for one piece, etc.

If the piece is irreplacable, ask a local museum or university museum who they might use.

This is one case where cheaper isn't better, so ask around and do your homework first.

If the item is not particularly important to you or is not costly to replace, you might do better to use the "safe strippers" in cream or gel form they have for at- home use, instead. It'd be cheaper and they do give good results when used properly.

Answer 2

The previous answer was good . I've been doing woodwork since I was really young and I've re-done a lot of antique woodcrafts. I have had people bring me some that were put in the "dip-tanks" and what happens is the wood swells and all the joints come apart and it is all loosened. I have re-done the old stuff by using paint stripper and sharp objects for a long time and people told me they cannot tell that it's been re-done.

Answer 3

I'll be jrsygrl: Let me see, I think I'll start off with a quick dip in the local pond, then go for a shower, and then a bath. No make that a bubble bath. And throw in a #6, 2 #8s and a #9.

Answer 4

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