Stripping & Tools:

            1.         Determine whether a heavy body or liquid stripper is necessary.
                        a. Heavy body (gel) stripper - solid woods, vertical surfaces, many coats of paint.
                        b. Liquid stripper - veneers, horizontal surfaces, varnish and stain.
            2.         Scraper or steel wool for removing product (maple scraper works best as it does not
                        damage wood).
            3.         Sandpaper to remove excess stripper and any other imperfections on surface.
            4.         Pure bristle brush (disposable) for applying stripper.

Stripping:method:

            1.         Apply stripper to surface approx ¼” thick and leave for 10 minutes, apply more product. if it looks like it is drying anywhere let the stripper do the work, not your arm!
            2.         Remove stripper and coating with (maple) scraper and/or steel wool (#1)
            3.         Apply a slightly thinner coat of stripper to bare wood to remove stain from grain of wood if
                        necessary, let stripper sit for 5 minutes
            4.         Remove stripper with 00 steel wool to “sponge” remaining stain fro the grain
            5.         Sand surface with 150 grit to remove residue and imperfections before staining

Staining and finishing tools:

            1.         Stain-(gel or liquid, water base or oil)
            2.         Stain applicators- cheesecloth, clean, lint free cotton rag or pure bristle brush
            3.         Select clear finish-(oil or latex, sheen level)
            4.         Finish applicators -good pure bristle brush to apply finish or foam brushes
            5.         320 grit sandpaper to scuff between coats of finish
            6.         Tack cloth to remove dust after scuffing

Staining and finishing:method:

            1.         Apply stain with appropriate applicator, let sit 3-5 minutes and wipe off excess
            2.         Let dry overnight for best results (some stains dry faster)
            3.         Apply first coat of clear finish, let dry 4-16 hours depending on product
            4.         Scuff surface with 320 grit sandpaper between coats and remove dust with tack cloth
            5.         Apply 2nd and 3rd coat if necessary

Staining/stripping tips:

            1.         The rougher the wood is sanded, the more stain will absorb into the grain and therefore the
                        darker the colour-conversely it will not absorb if the wood has been sanded too smoothly
            2.         A second coat of stain can be applied to make it darker-but the customer must be careful to
                        let both coats dry thoroughly
            3.         The longer you let the stain sit before wiping, the more it will absorb and the darker it will
                        get-conversely if you wipe it right away it will not be as dark
            4.         Shave hooks are handy for stripping detail work
            5.         Rubber gloves should be used to protect hands
            6.         Surface should be cleaned with mineral spirits after stripping
            7.         After stripping if discoloration persists in wood, a wood bleach may be required to even out the colour of the wood prior to staining.
            8.         Stain controller may be necessary on soft or open-grain woods.