Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
Shopping List for Refinishing
Here's a rundown of the materials and tools you'll need to refinish wood:

· Fine steel wool (OOOO grade)

· Various soft brushes including a 2-in. brush and old toothbrushes for removing the finish from intricate designs

· A protective apron to protect your clothes

· Lint-free clean cloths and/or tack cloths

· Rubber gloves

· Eye protection like glasses or safety goggles

· Sandpaper in 220 and 440 grits

· Putty knife and/or a plastic stripping tool

· Drop cloths for protecting walls, floors, etc., from splatters

· If you're working on furniture with legs, you will need wide-mouth metal containers such as cat food cans to place under each leg to catch old finish and paint remover.

· If you're working on sections of molding or pieces of wood, you'll need blocks of wood or bricks to raise them off the work surface slightly so you can work on their edges.

THE STUFF: To remove finishes, you'll need either a paint or varnish remover or stripper, or an antique or furniture refinisher. To clean the surface, you'll need mineral spirits or an after wash product. To topcoat the wood you'll need antique or tung oil, polyurethane finish or paint. These supplies are sold in quart and gallon containers at home centers and hardware stores in the paint department.

THE PROTECTION: If you have worn out white sheets or shirts, cut them into suitable sizes to make paint rags or cloths. To prevent scratching the finish, remove any buttons or zippers from old clothing. You can also buy painters' cloths in bulk, by the pound, from paint or home center stores.

Play It Safe

Many finish paints, strippers, and solvents contain mineral spirits and other chemicals that may be hazardous if improperly used. Always read the warnings on the label of any chemical product. The warning to use with adequate ventilation means that the product should be used outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms. Most paint products should not be used in a basement area where there is little ventilation.
Do not use these products near flame or fire, and remember that the fumes of flammable materials are flammable; the fumes of toxic materials are toxic. Do not smoke, eat or drink when using any paint product, and wear an approved respirator mask when using materials that produce fumes. To dispose of paint rags, place them in a water-filled metal container. Dispose of leftover materials at an approved disposal location or according to label directions.


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

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