Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - stripping wardrobe

I have an old wardrobe that we use for a TV cabinet, I'm not sure what kind of wood it is but it has a very thin veneer on the drawers and doors. It was made in the 30s and is very sturdy but there is some damage to the doors around the hinges and on the top. The problem is it was stained a very dark color it almost looks like it was painted brown.The inside is several different colors along with a little blue paint in places so at one time my cabinet was blue, so some one must have stripped it in the past. I would like to lighten it up a little but I am afraid the stripper will damage the veneer. Can stripper be applied to veneer and also there is alot of detail carving around the door, what is the best way to strip that part? Thanks

Properly used, stripper will not damage veneer. There is a possibility the stripper will loosen the veneer, but it's a small possiblity and easy to deal with. Almost ALL pieces of furniture have veneer - and I've stripped a LOT of them.

For carved and decorative areas I suggest a semi-paste stripper such as Strypeeze. It's a little slower than liquids, but it clings to vertical surfaces and is generally easier to handle.

For cleaning out detail work, a brass bristle brush works well. Stripper will eat plastic nad steel will cut wood, but brass works. Buy a piece of 5/16 dowel rod, cut it into 8" sections and run both ends through a pencil sharpener. Great little tool for digging stubborn debris that won't hurt the wood.

Whatever stripper you go with, READ AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS. Let the stripper do the work.

As far as lightening the wood, when you get it cleaned up it may be light enough. If not, you'll want a two-part bleach, available from most home centers. Follow the directions.