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We have a light oak bannister that seems to have ingrained dirt (from hands) on one section. I've tried several cleaners, but none removes this dirt. I think the dirt is under either some varnish or lots of spray polish.
I'm thinking of either stripping it (ugh! messy) or sanding it down and then staining and varnishing.
I think the dirt is under either some varnish or lots of spray polish.
Yes; and you're going to need a solvent of some sort to cut through it.
That "it" probably being boiled linseed oil.
Quote:
I'm thinking of either stripping it (ugh! messy) or sanding it down and then staining and varnishing.
Try something milder like mineral spirits first; move up to naphtha or thinner if needed...
but yeah, you're going to need to refinish it (more boiled linseed oil) when you're done.
I've gotten many years worth of spray polish (and the dirt/smoke under it) with ammonia.I don't mind using it straight,some need to dilute it.
Depending on how many years it's accumulated it might take 5 or 6 times before it is clean.
You do need to stop when you get to the original finish or it will soften enough to come off too.
At that time switch to a milder cleaner to finish up.
Yes; and you're going to need a solvent of some sort to cut through it.
That "it" probably being boiled linseed oil.
Try something milder like mineral spirits first; move up to naphtha or thinner if needed...
but yeah, you're going to need to refinish it (more boiled linseed oil) when you're done.
hth
Is Boiled Linseed Oil something I can buy or do I have to make it?
Is Boiled Linseed Oil something I can buy or do I have to make it?
You buy it. The stuff you buy today isn't really linseed oil that has been boiled. It's raw linseed oil mixed with other chemicals. From wikipedia:
Quote:
Boiled linseed oil is used as a paint binder or as a wood finish on its own. Heating the oil causes it to polymerize and oxidize, making it thicker and shortening its drying time. Today, most products labeled as "boiled linseed oil" are a combination of raw linseed oil, petroleum-based solvent, and metallic dryers (catalysts to accelerate drying). The use of metallic dryers makes boiled linseed oil inedible. Some products contain only heat-treated linseed oil, without exposure to oxygen. Heat-treated linseed oil is thicker and dries very slowly. This grade of linseed oil is usually labeled as "polymerized" or "stand" oil, though some types may still be labeled as "boiled".
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Magic Eraser?
