Message Boards

I am refinishing a dresser. I removed the majority of the old paint and finish in my living room using a non-caustic stripper (Citristrip). I am at the point where I need to sand and then stain the wood.

Here is my problem. I live in an apartment and have a dog, so I don't want to sand or stain it inside. I don't want to expose the dog to sawdust and stain/finish fumes so my only other option is to bring the piece to a friends house who has a detached garage/workshop. However, it is cold here 40° F and below (some nights over the next 10 days it will drop to below 20° F). I know that its not recommended to stain in cold temps.

So I guess my options are:

1. Stain indoors (not really an option b/c of the dog)

2. Stain in cold garage

3. Wait until Spring to stain


Also, it has been suggested that the piece is not quite ready for sanding. Someone said I should use a methylene chloride stripper to get the paint residue that is in the grain. That sanding wont get it out...and that I should do this in a well ventilated area in 60° + weather. Which obviously isn't happening for a while...

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Here is the item I am staining:

Original

During the first coat of Citristrip
After first coat of Citristrip

After second coat
After second coat 2

Personally I have never liked Citristrip, just because I found it so slow and ineffectual on painted wood. Strypeeze is what I use when needed. Apply it and cover with plastic to keep it working longer. The final touches I use a stiffened old paint brush and cheap stiff tooth brush to get into any crevasses.

If you don't use a strong chemical stripper, chances are the sanding is still not going to remove the last of the paint, unless you go really deep and I sure hope you have a belt sander to use.

I would move the item to the garage to do the rest of the work (stripping or sanding), whatever it takes. You will then have to check the labels on the stains and finish for the minimum temps to work and cure. So you might be waiting to do parts of it.

I think I have a solution. My friend said I can bring it down to his basement instead of the garage. The basement has windows that I can open for ventilation and I can bring a fan to circulate the fumes toward them. Then I can do the chemical stripping, stain and finish indoors.

I will get some methylene chloride stripper and see how it goes.

Thanks.

glad that'll work for you - i was going to tell you to wait until spring!! LOL!!