old varnish removal

[johndow]

Hi
I'm looking for help in getting rid of old ( and very determined ) varnish from the stairs in our cottage.
I've tried all the usual suspects, and a recent visitor suggested ammonia. But after googling, and we have tried to avoid any harmful chemicals, I'm
unwilling to try it both for my health and the environment.
Under the varnish is smashing wood waiting to be oiled, but unless we can get rid of it.........i

Thanks in advance.

John

 

[chuckey]

Its an incredibly tedious job, but scraping is without doubt the best way. use broken glass, hard metal scrapers or chisels (touch them up with oil on a stone every 20 minutes) and finish with ali oxide paper. The wood will look fantastic!, I have tried most of the chemical strippers but they discolour the wood, OK for painting but not for show.
Frank

 

[johndow]

Thanks Chuckey

What do you mean " broken glass "?

I'd never thought about scraping...but it does make sense ( with a very steady hand? )

Thanks

John

 

[Cloudscape]

Broken glass makes a good scraper, and it's cheap. It's very effective with thin varnish. As each piece blunts, just grab another bit (with suitable hand protection).