Is Stripping Finish a Good Idea?

Is Stripping Finish a Good Idea?

Is it better to sand the finish off an oak table or strip it chemically?

Greg Williams: If you have the facility to strip it chemically, you can save a lot of work. If you do not have a place to safely and conveniently use a stripper, including collecting and disposing of used stripper, washing off the piece, and cleaning up the mess, sanding may be your best choice.

Tim Inman: I’d use a chemical stripper most times. Sanding will take off a lot of wood, change the dimensions, and tear away any natural patination or coloring that has developed over the years. Also, by chemically stripping, you can control the process and remove only as much as you want. If the piece had a lot of surface mechanical damage like cuts, burn marks or gouges, then sanding might be a better choice. It all depends.

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