If you’re planning to redo the wood on your furniture, you’ll need to decide whether to sand it or use a methylene chloride stripper. This article will cover the steps to sanding and stripping furniture, and explain the dangers of using a methylene chloride stripper. Here are the pros and cons of each option. The decision depends on the look you’re going for.
Whether to sand or strip furniture
If you want to restore old, worn-out furniture, you can either sand or strip it. Sanding requires more time and effort than stripping, but you will be rewarded with a clean surface afterward. Before you strip your furniture, it is essential to determine whether the wood is solid or covered with a veneer. Some solutions will harm the veneer, so be sure to buy the right stripping solution.
A chemical stripper can penetrate the smallest nooks and crannies of your furniture, but you can also use an orbital sander to strip your furniture without using chemicals. Before you strip any furniture, use a rough grit sandpaper and gradually work your way up to medium and fine-grit sandpaper. After you’ve finished sanding, wipe off the grit with a tack cloth to prevent any possible damage.
If you’re not sure about the process of sanding your furniture, consider using mineral spirits. It is safe and odorless and will loosen stubborn residue from the wood. You can apply mineral spirits using a bristled brush and wipe away the residue. Then, apply a layer of stain, if desired. Let the stain dry completely before you paint. Then, apply another coat of paint to restore the color and finish of the old furniture.
Steps to stripping furniture
The first step in stripping furniture is to prepare the surface. You will need an old paintbrush or a disposable chip brush. Having used carpeting around the table is a good idea as it protects the wood and absorbs drips. To protect the floor from paint and other materials, you can lay down a plastic drop cloth or tarp. Old newspapers can be used as well. It is important to protect yourself from the chemicals that can harm you and your furniture.
Firstly, you will need to determine the type of finish on the wood. This is a separate process from stripping the furniture itself. The easiest way to do this is to wet a cloth in alcohol and wipe over part of the furniture. If the cloth changes colour, it is likely to be a wax coating. If it does not, it is likely to be varnish. If it’s wax, use fine grit sandpaper to remove the coating.
The next step is to remove any remaining stain or natural finish. This process will require a lot of patience, but the result will be a clean surface. If the stain is super thick, stripping the furniture will make more sense. Afterward, you can refinish it with a new finish. If the stain is light, you can simply use paint stripper. For super thick stains, however, you may need to use a chemical stripper.
Dangers of methylene chloride stripper
There are many hazards associated with methylene chloride, which is often used as a furniture stripper. The strong odor and dangers of exposure to this chemical can make it unsuitable for use in enclosed spaces. The instructions for use on the back of the product may not be clear, but they suggest to use it outdoors on a cool day. When done, it should be disposed of in a closed metal garbage can.
In addition to the serious health hazards of methylene chloride, some paint strippers carry warnings about heart problems. Unfortunately, the CPSC and other organizations have not done enough to regulate this chemical, and it’s still on the list of dangerous chemicals. In Canada, methylene chloride has been on the toxic substances list for more than two decades. The federal government has even written a voluntary guideline for homeowners who want to restore their furniture to its original state.
While the EPA has not yet banned all methylene chloride paint strippers, they have issued a draft safety guide that outlines the risks of the product. This chemical contains high concentrations of methylene chloride, which is a carcinogen and can be fatal if inhaled. In addition to these potential hazards, methylene chloride can also burn skin and cause dizziness.