Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - dresser with pressboard parts

I have an old dresser that was given to me. I just noticed as we were starting to strip it that some of the pieces are press board. (I thought the whole thing was wood since it is so heavy.) We left the stripper material on three of the inside pieces (inside of a door and a shelf - which I think are pressboard) longer than the required time. The finish just won't seem to come off. Can you strip press board? How many times might you have to put the stripper on to get the original finish off?

Kaz:

On many items using pressboard, particle board, MDF board and the like, the finish is an applied 'photo' finish - a literal picture of wood grain on a sheet laminated tot eh board. Strippers won't touch it.

Wipe it down, let it dry, and sand it off. Be aware that you'll be left with particle board - no wood grain at all.

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George T.

George,

thanks for your prompt reply. i guess i should have been more specific: most of the finish came off, but not all- it pretty much looks like the finish is just too deeply embedded in the wood (or particle board, i guess). what we are left with is a board that
has a very faded stain remnant - but still too much to feel comfortable finishing over...

do you have any other suggestions ?

thanks,

kaz


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by George:
Kaz:

On many items using pressboard, particle board, MDF board and the like, the finish is an applied 'photo' finish - a literal picture of wood grain on a sheet laminated tot eh board. Strippers won't touch it.

Wipe it down, let it dry, and sand it off. Be aware that you'll be left with particle board - no wood grain at all.

---------
George T.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>