On Mar 17, 9:43 pm, (Malcolm Hoar) wrote:
In article , "Eigenvector" wrote:
I've removed the varnish from my test piece (a while back not today), Citrus
Strip seemed to do a perfectly adequate job, so whatever's on there can't be
too tough. I'll go with a polyeurothane as was suggested and keep the
original color.

Some suggestions...

Use a good quality, full gloss, oil based poly. Apply with
a good foam brush -- the Wooster's sold at Lowes are
excellent and very inexpensive. Stir (don't shake) the
poly and thin it with mineral spirits if that helps.

Apply about 4 coats, waiting about 24 hours for each one
to dry. Sand *very* lightly between coats with 400 grit.

After the final coat wait a few days for a full cure.
Then, if you want to knock down the plastic-like look,
rub the new finish with 0000 steel wool and some good
quality wax. It will make it silky smooth but not glossy.

If you're careful and patient, you'll have a really
professional looking finish. I used this protocol on
some beaten-up kitchen cabinets and the final result
was simply wonderful. The striping/sanding is a pain
but everything else is pretty quick and easy to do
right.

Card scraper did the job for me last set of kitchen cabinet fronts
I was paid to strip. Prepare to file the edge every 2 minutes (no
hook needed), but even then, it's faster than anything short of a
hot lye bath.