Re: varnish removal advice
Hi, Brookie,
I've never actually done this, so it's only an idea to try. But we have lots of old toothbrushes, and I'd use the toothbrushes to apply the stripper, and rags to remove. It is my understanding that you can wash (plain water) the remains of the stripper away. Then, you'd have to wait for it to evaporate, then rinse with turps, on rags, till you're convinced all the old varnish is gone. If it looks okay, start building up your coats of varnish, but if not, repeat, till all the old varnish has been removed. It may want a light sanding, then wash with turps again, to remove all the sanding dust.
Follow the instructions with the varnish you have chosen. Practice on one of the solid boards, first, you want to learn how much varnish you want on your brush to get good coverage, but without sags. Some people thin the first coat a bit, and think of it as a sealing coat, not a proper varnish coat, just the beginning step for a protective buildup. Where your sag-free skills will come in handy is on those louvres: don't obsess about it, but every darn sag, you want to sand it out, so being sparing with the varnish will help over all.
Good luck with it. Some people come to enjoy varnishing, the finished product is so pretty, and the process, sort of meditative, it one is inclined that way. (I'm not, I'm afraid, and always want to rush things, so it's a case of do as i say, here, because taking the time and making the effort will really get you the best results.)
Ann
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