Repair Damages Before Stripping
If you decide to change the wood tone or type of finish on wood, you must strip the project down to bare wood. Before stripping, examine the project for any damage. If needed repairs require regluing, make them before stripping the finish away. When glue is applied to bare wood it acts as a sealer, and glue spots will not absorb stains. If you reglue the project before stripping, any glue residue will be removed by the stripper.

If veneer has loosened, first make a razor cut in the veneer, with the grain. Hold a clean cloth over the loose veneer, then apply heat from a steam iron. The heat may reactivate the glue and the veneer will rebond with the wood. The keyword here is "may" because this doesn't always work.

If heat application does not cure the problem, inject white carpenter's glue underneath the veneer and press the veneer in place. If the repair area is flat, remove any excess glue from the surface of the veneer. Cover the repair area with wax paper or aluminum foil and lay a heavy object such as a book over the area until the glue dries, usually overnight. If the repair area is curved, tie a rope around the project to serve as a clamp.

If the veneer is damaged, take the piece to an expert who will replace or repair the veneer.

To reglue loose chair rungs or legs, remove the loose parts from the chair and clean away the old glue. Recoat the glued surfaces with white carpenter's glue and replace the part(s). To clamp the piece together, use a soft rope such as clothesline rope. Tie the rope around the chair legs, making a double loop. Place a scrap of wood between the two loops and twist the wood to tighten the rope clamp. Let the project set overnight, until the glue is dried.

When regluing is done, strip the piece. Remove any hardware, doors or legs (if they are attached with hardware) for easier stripping. Lay doors, panels, etc., flat for stripping. Use plastic drop cloths to protect the floor and other surfaces from the stripper.


written by the editors of HouseNet
copyright HouseNet, Inc. 1996

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