Ok, so I've decided to refinish my old childhood dresser for child #2 (don't know the sex yet otherwise I'd say "son" or "daughter" ).

However, there is some sort of varnish or acrylic coating over the stained wood. Being that this was built in the late 70s or early 80s, I have no idea what that compound is.

Would it be easier to find a chemical stripper first, or could I just begin sanding it? the reason I'm asking is I've already put about 15 minutes of sanding on it with a 5" orbital sander with 60 grit sandpaper and its is amazingly difficult to remove. I've actually already ripped the foam base off the sander by applying too much pressure.

I thought about using a belt sander as the next step, but wasn't sure if that would remove too much material too quickly. The coating is extremely thin...it may even be some sort of stain/polyurethane-in-1 type product.

Anyone done this or have experience? I'll even accept educated guesses.

Thx.

Ug. I'd have to see it. Do you know what material it is for sure and that it's solid? It sounds more like you're trying to grind through a laminate layer -- I know of no wood that'd shred 60 grit.

I refinished my kitchen table that had a rediculous amount of varnish on it. I used a chemical stripper as I would be sanding forever.

Heavy duty oven cleaner. It's basically canned lye. It is very caustic, so wear gloves, but it's cheap and it will rip through that varnish and finish. Be sure to clean the wood with water after and let it completely dry before you apply a new finish.

A couple of cans of that will make quick work of that finish.

All I know is its a hardwood for sure. If I'd guess I'd say Maple or Ash, but that is a guess. It was bought when I was 5 so I have no clue on the origin.

I think I'll start with a stripper, then fix my orbital sander.

Thx for the help.

Along those lines, anyone have a preferred product/brand for varnish stripping, other than the over cleaner suggestion?

[This message has been edited by mm98 (edited 7/5/2011 8:09p).]

Jasco, Premium paint & epoxy remover. I've used this when restoring antique furniture, cabinets (taken outside of course), a piano and gun stocks. I get it at Ace Hardware. I paint it on with a chip brush, let it set then remove it with course steel wool just before it dries. WEAR GLOVES as it contains ethelene chloride. I hand sand and never use anything powered except when refinishing metal. I'm real old school in this respect. I use Minwax stain and Deft wood finish. Deft was origionally made for bar tops and is a tough finish. Make any necessary repairs before applying stain & finish.

Let us know how how it turns out.

[This message has been edited by Msgt USAF Ret (edited 7/5/2011 11:53p).]

sodium hydroxide is much safer than ethelene chloride. Ethelen chloride is flammable and carcinogenic!