I am refinishing an old, somewhat crappy table. It’s an age that (unfortunately) it was sealed with poly.
Most of the table (legs, etc.) will be painted (oil enamel cabinet paint). Do I really need to remove 100% of the old poly in order to paint these parts?
Hello,
I am assuming that since you said Poly that it is a wood table. My first concern would be that if you did reapply after a little cleanup but not total removal there would be color mismatch making what you did not look it’s best and you may want to end up refinishing yet again.
I refinished an older table top a few years ago. And the best result was when I took the time to remove all the old polyurethane and sanded down the table. Also besides just the look if your table has some dings etc. by removing everything and sanding you can then fill any divots or small gouges with filler which will lead to a smoother and better looking table. If your table legs are rounded with ridges / contours you might want to talk to someone that has lathe experience about using a lathe to slightly touch up the contours that will ensure all the old poly is removed. I wasn’t a member at DMS at the time so didn’t have that option.
Chris, I have had very good results over poly by using a deglossing cleaner like pazo or liquid sandpaper, scuff with 220, degcloss again then prime with an oil based binding primer made to go over poly. Kilz makes one. My wife went through a farm house furniture phase where i painted a bunch ol poly sealed wood.
Oh my! Wonderful news! That’s the kind of info I was hoping to hear. After I do the table I have five chairs (sigh) so what you’re describing sounds perfect.
Any thoughts about whether shellac-based or oil-based will work better? I’m not concerned about fumes or cleanup. TIA.
I have usually used oil based but shellac would be fine too