Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - refinishing moms cabinet!!(clueless)!!
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red272
08-09-05, 05:23 PM
I have an old mahogany cabinet which has a walnut stain on it which I would like to try to refinish and put another stain on.So far I sanded it down but the dark stain was left in the grain. Im not sure where to go from here,do I keep sanding with a finer sandpaper or is it impossible to ever get all the walnut stain off?Im so clueless about all of this and would really appreciate some help.Thanks so much :)
George
08-10-05, 05:44 AM
Some paint strippers will remove some, if not all of the stain. Use with 0000 steel wool to scrub it out of the grain. Use a brass bristle brush to get into corners and crevices.
You may still have to sand to get the last of it out.
You may still have to sand to get the last of it out.
red272
08-11-05, 01:44 PM
hello.Thanks for replying.Well I applied the stripper and did as you said but there is still the dark grain.What grit of sandpaper should I try?
mako
08-11-05, 06:19 PM
If you're 100% sure that this is mahogany hardwood, start with 80 grit on a power sander, like a palm sander. Step up to 100, 120, 150, and 180 (and even 220 if you want).
If it's made of plywood veneered with mahogany veneer, you may sand through the mahogany and have a mess on your hands.
Now, if you're going to restain with another dark stain, I wouldn't bother removing the old stuff if it's only filling in the grain with dark spots, so long as it's relatively even.
I personally prefer mahogany natural color. If you want it to darken only a tad, set it (after sanding but before finishing) in the sun. Try to get even coverage. A couple of days should result in quite a pretty cabinet. The more you let it set, the darker it will get, but it won't be dramatic, but quite nice. Not all woods do this.
Note that the finish you use will darken/deepen the color, usually.
If it's made of plywood veneered with mahogany veneer, you may sand through the mahogany and have a mess on your hands.
Now, if you're going to restain with another dark stain, I wouldn't bother removing the old stuff if it's only filling in the grain with dark spots, so long as it's relatively even.
I personally prefer mahogany natural color. If you want it to darken only a tad, set it (after sanding but before finishing) in the sun. Try to get even coverage. A couple of days should result in quite a pretty cabinet. The more you let it set, the darker it will get, but it won't be dramatic, but quite nice. Not all woods do this.
Note that the finish you use will darken/deepen the color, usually.
red272
08-12-05, 11:08 AM
Thanks.I had a friends husband come over to see the cabinet,he says its real mahogany except for the sides and inside of the cabinet,it is veneer,so how do I go about making that look like the real wood?As for the stain I hadnt really thought that far ahead,I just know I dont want that dark walnut.If I cant quite get the original wood back with sanding and varnish remover any suggestions on a stain? I really dont want to resort to painting it!!.Oh and if there is still the walnut stain in the grain will it end up looking tacky if I put another stain on?Just curious,and greatly appreciate your help.