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amybaby · **Posted: 26-05-2011 , 10:59 PM** #2

hi,
not sure if this will help.
i stripped and treated an old varnished writing bureau a good few years ago. i think it's oak, but the principle would still be the same i'm sure.
i used a commercial stripper for wood. can't remember the name as i was in the uk at the time, and also bought a wood worm treatment solution. you should be able to get this stuff in diy shops.
as far as i can recall, i had to apply the stripper and wait a while, then began the verrrry tedious task of stripping the old varnish off with a scraper. when it was done it had to be cleaned with spirits completely and then sanded and resanded working from course to fine sanding. working outdoors might be a good idea as it's a dirty and dusty job.
i finished the bureau with beeswax which nourished the wood and showed off the natural grain.
although it was hard work as i had never attempted anything like that, i was, and still am very happy with the outcome. it turned an ugly tacky varnished lump into a beautiful piece of furniture that is a joy to look at and still admired by everyone who sees it.
best of luck with your project. :)

	Posted: 26-05-2011 , 10:59 PM #2
amybaby Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Co. Kildare Posts: 95	bureau hi, not sure if this will help. i stripped and treated an old varnished writing bureau a good few years ago. i think it's oak, but the principle would still be the same i'm sure. i used a commercial stripper for wood. can't remember the name as i was in the uk at the time, and also bought a wood worm treatment solution. you should be able to get this stuff in diy shops. as far as i can recall, i had to apply the stripper and wait a while, then began the verrrry tedious task of stripping the old varnish off with a scraper. when it was done it had to be cleaned with spirits completely and then sanded and resanded working from course to fine sanding. working outdoors might be a good idea as it's a dirty and dusty job. i finished the bureau with beeswax which nourished the wood and showed off the natural grain. although it was hard work as i had never attempted anything like that, i was, and still am very happy with the outcome. it turned an ugly tacky varnished lump into a beautiful piece of furniture that is a joy to look at and still admired by everyone who sees it. best of luck with your project. :)