brownings glossy finnish.... how do i remove it?

[wheelin_ca]

I want to refinnish my glossy BPS stock with tru oil. The problem is, i dont know the best way to get rid of the old glossy finnish. its flaking off in some areas.

do I just go nuts with sand paper? or is there a stripper that would work better?

thanks

 

[straightshooter]

Any old paint stripper should be fine. I use "Circa 1850 Furniture Stripper" that I picked up at the local Rona or Home Depot - can't remember which.

Fact is, I'd recommend even an unknown stripper over sanding alone. Unless you're deliberately cutting down an area that was left proud by the maker, all sanding should be kept to a minimum.

Strippers will get you down to the bare wood. Assuming there are no repairs necessary, with only a light sanding to open the wood grain, you can start right into wetting the wood to raise the grain and cutting it down with a light sanding. I assume you've heard the process often enough to take it from there, since you've already chosen your new finish.

 

[sunray]

I believe Browning used a polyurethane finish, but wouldn't put any money on it. Try some of the Circa 1850 Furniture Stripper on an inconspicuous spot. Sanding alone will take you until you're ready for retirement.

 

[greyman441]

I know this is kinda off topic but what is the difference from tru oil and tung oil??

 

[kamlooky]

I've used the harsher Circa paint stripper varnish remover.
Disposable gloves I would recommend.
Use a soft brush or a potato scrub brush with a handle on it.
Not sure if your BPS has checkering on it or not?
If so, a tooth brush will work in there.
This product lifts the finish sort of eats away at it and lifts it.
I use rags to wipe this off. The brush may work as well. Try and get
as much of this off as you can. The end result you are looking for is dry
looking wood. If it is a bit shiney, you haven't relieved all the finish and
it will affect the way your new finish will go on or get absorbed. Keep at
it with the remover. Patience is a virtue on this. Try and not sand the
checkering if it's there.

 

[vega]

I don't know the chemical difference between Tru Oil and tung oil, but I've found the later much easier to work with and it gives me a finish I much prefer as well. If you've not used them, get hold of an old stock or similar piece of wood and try them according to directions and you'll see what I mean. I only recently discovered tung oil myself and would never go back.