Remember that table and chairs that I picked up on marketplace recently?
The one that was a bit damaged and dinged up, had a few love bite chewed areas from a playful puppy And the one that was free? This one needed a fair amount. Aside from being refinished, it also needs to be tightened up and put back together. I started to tackle stripping the finish off yesterday and thought I would update you with how that is going so far and what I have learned with this different technique I am using this time.
Stripping Furniture – with Oven Cleaner
Who knew this was a thing? Why did I not know that oven cleaner stripped furniture? Apparently it works and a lot of people use it as their go-to refinishing method. I am not SOLD on it to be honest- I would suggest you do some googling and reading instructional posts ahead of time before trying it. But one of my friends has been using oven cleaner to strip furniture and loves the result. So I thought I would try it.
Here are a couple of things I have learned already while trying this for the first time.
- You might need more than you think
- I suggest setting up outside in fresh air- or in a workshop area with good air flow. And of course, just like with using a stripper- follow all safety precautions on the cleaner you use.
- It is a messy job. Protect your area and you. Gloves, long sleeves and pants, mask, and goggles.
- Do a test spot
Grab a scrub brush & Coat the wood
A confession: I don’t use oven cleaner in my oven- and this is probably the first time I have ever used oven cleaner at all. So I am not versed on how they work or how thick it would come out or how much you would need to cover an area.
I had read to let it sit for about 20 minutes- in the shade so that it doesn’t dry. During that time, you can see how the finish starts ‘gunking up’ for lack of a better description. It is not pretty- but you can see how much of the finish is just lifting off as it sits.
After about 20 minutes or so, I used a stiff bristle scrub brush and scrubbed the table with soapy water.
Fun fact- All those details and grooves that are oh so charming? They all require a bit of extra work and elbow grease to get the finish off.
After scrubbing- you can spray off with the hose to remove the residue or wipe down.
What it looks like now
You are probably wondering what it looks like now… and I did intend to do a reveal post before an in the middle post. But remember that note about possibly needing more than you think? I ran out. I only got a portion of the table done so will be back at it this afternoon. But as I mentioned- before I started on the table, I did do a quick test run on one of the chairs to make sure it worked okay for this wood and see if I preferred working with the citrus strip instead. This is the back of a chair that dried.
It isn’t finished yet -you can see there are areas I didn’t scrub enough and some that will need a second coat where the finish didn’t fully come off before it is finished.
But in the areas that are looking finished the color is so lovely- a beautiful light bleached oak. That is the good. As with any project- there is good, bad and ugly. Stay tuned for the finished look and my thoughts. I am somewhat in between what I like better. Which method do you prefer? I will share some more when I get this wrapped up and finished.
Happy Monday all.
Nancy says
Oven cleaner is made of sodium hydroxide which can cause severe chemical burns. Sodium HYDROXIDE dissolves proteins. They also use it to dissolve animal carcasses. It is also used in drain cleaners as well as oven CLEANERS. No joke here. It may also raise wood grain or permanently discolor woods, depending on wood type. Be careful.
Courtney says
Yes, great points Nancy! You can get some now that don’t require gloves-so I think they might be made of something different than previous? but I would still be careful and take all the precautions even if it doesn’t require it. I would suggest anyone who is going to try it to read a couple of instructional posts before tackling.
Andrea Denner says
One time some laundry detergent leaked through our laundry room floor into the basement and right on top of a piano bench that had super old varnish on it. Stripped it beautifully in the spot where it landed.
I use the orange stripper and have not fully tried the laundry detergent method, but I thought it was very interesting 🙂
Darlene says
Great post, Have stripped so many pieces I cant couNt them and
Honestly have never heard oF oven cleaner being used. my concern is always the run off rinsing and my little dog, eVeN with citrus Im really careful and
Worry..over protective momma im sure!
The results Is amazing Courtney💕
Courtney says
I totally hear you and feel the same about our animals. We have several acres so are able to do projects in an area that is away from where the creatures are or where they roam. Even with the citrus strip we had to rinse those pieces as well and got some of that on my arm and it burned like crazy. I am glad I am not the only one who didn’t know this was a common way to refinish! I was so surprised to hear about that! haha.
Maxime says
Thank you for this post, Courtney. I’ve been wondering how to get that nice bleached look. I like that this strips and bleaches at the same time. Your post opens up a whole new thought process for me. Thanks again.
Linda Scott says
I was amazed when I watched a You tube video of someone using oven cleaner to strip a piece of furniture and then they used a hose with good pressure (I don’t think it was pressure washer bc if you’ve ever used one on a deck you know how it can ruin wood) and to my surprise that hose and cleaner took off the stain completely! it looked so easy, wonder if it really was!! Your table is lovely!
Gail says
I cAn’t wait To see it finished
franki Parde says
This HAS TO BE so rewarding!!! franki
Mary A. Gavin says
It’s absolutely stunning. I’m just wondering doesn’t water rot the wood?
Mary Alice says
Please let us know what kind of oil if any you use to finIsh it. I love this table and you have made it just beautiful. I am going to try to send you a pic of the table I am working on now in case you could give me any pointers. I started removing layers of paint and then I took a break. Now I am back at it again. I am not sure what to put on the table when I am done and i think Our tables have the same kind of wood. But I am loving yours and I love how you take us along for the ride on your adventures.
Eliane Murar says
EVERYTHING you touch turns Into perfection ; i love your home you posTs and i purchase all your books ❤️