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Metalworking (rec.crafts.metalworking) Discuss various aspects of working with metal, such as machining, welding, metal joining, screwing, casting, hardening/tempering, blacksmithing/forging, spinning and hammer work, sheet metal work. |
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#1
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Refurbishing old bookcases
Hi Everyone.
I recently purchased a four-stack of metal barrister (I am not sure of what kind) bookcases. There are currently painted (although the paint has peeled in some places) and also have removeable metal-rimmed sliding glass doors. What are my options for refinishing them? Can I polish them to a shine? Should I strip the paint (how?) and add a new coat (which kind would I use?) Thank you very much for your advice. Ethan |
#3
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Refurbishing old bookcases
When sanding what grade of sandpaper should I use? 220? 320?
I have a bosch hand random orbit sander. Would that be an appropriate tool to use? Many Thanks |
#4
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Refurbishing old bookcases
wrote:
When sanding what grade of sandpaper should I use? 220? 320? I have a bosch hand random orbit sander. Would that be an appropriate tool to use? Many Thanks You are posting from google. Please read the link below, specifically the part about how to retain context. If there are large flat or mostly flat expanses, if the orbital sander will get where you want it to go, and if you have the self discipline to keep from gouging your work with it, it's a fine tool. Alternately, I'd use a chemical stripper. I would probably go with 220 or 320, depending on how well your paint fills scratches. I would do a test patch on the back of the shelves, or on a piece of scrap sheet metal. Since you're in Google anyway, why not do a search on painting metal? There has to be at least one comprehensive tutorial out there. -- Tim Wescott Wescott Design Services http://www.wescottdesign.com Posting from Google? See http://cfaj.freeshell.org/google/ |
#6
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Refurbishing old bookcases
Christopher Tidy wrote: wrote: When sanding what grade of sandpaper should I use? 220? 320? I have a bosch hand random orbit sander. Would that be an appropriate tool to use? Many Thanks I would be inclined not to sand them. I'd cover the shelves with chemical paint stripper, leave it for maybe 15-30 minutes, then rub the paint off with steel wool. This avoids scratching the metal with sandpaper. Admittedly your new paint should cover the scratches, but I'd use stripper and avoid the scratches in the first place. Check the trade places in your area and you should be able to find a large can of stripper at a reasonable price. Don't forget gloves and eye protection. I haven't bought chemical stripper in years. I use brake fluid. I keep old fluid for this purpose, but when I don't have an accumulation, new fluid works fine. At $3/qt it's much cheaper than chemical strippers, it's less caustic, and it works fine. If you need more it's available almost anywhere, including the corner gas station/convenience store. Apply with a paint brush, then go do something else. Currently have an Atlas headstock saturated and waiting till I get home to finish it. |
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