I built floor to ceiling bookcases about 15 years ago. We are redoing the room and would like to “refurbish” the bookcases. They are made of solid cherry and cherry verneer plywood and were stained with a Minwax stain. What I don’t remember is if I put any polyurethane or similar product on top. The surface is still in good condition but we would like to clean everything and maybe apply something to the surface to freshen the look.
Any suggestions for what I should do?
Replies
Find an inconspicuous place to test the finish. What you want to know is "what is the solvent". Put some denatured alcohol on a cotton swab and rub the finish. If it comes off, then it is shellac. Next try mineral spirits (or naphtha). If the finish comes off now, it is some form of solvent based finish like poly.
Once you have figured out the finish, lightly sand with something like 220 grit paper or even finishing pads. Clean the dust off completly (vacuum and tack rag), then recoat.
test your recoat in an inconspicous area also - if spray 'polish' (pledge etc) has been used, it may have contained silicone, which will cause 'fish-eyes' in the new coat - said silicone is problematic to remove -
fact, I don't have a good recommendation for getting it off - perhaps someone else here will - I know automotive refinishers have products available, might start there -