How to refinish this desk...

[Runhard]

I have this desk at work that was ruined by a drain cleaner call Glug. I bought a new desk to replace it, but I am thinking about trying to refinish it or maybe apply another sheet of laminate on it. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Daniel

 

[tiralie]

Completely strip it back to bare wood and then restain ( looks like mahogany stain) and lacquer.
It's hard to tell but it looks like it was originally made wood of maple.
Tim

 

[Runhard]

Thanks Tim. So, it is doable!  [smile]

 

[Kev]

You've got nothing to lose in sanding that back ... just don't be too aggressive and progress with a few light passes over the entire surface till you end up with an even result.

 

[nclemmons]

I'd be mindful of any potential veneer and likelihood of sanding through it.  It could be solid wood, but I'd proceed carefully and keep the sander moving.

Probably 120-150 random orbit to see how it removes the finish.    Watch the edges and keep the sander upright as you go over the edges.

Post pics in process!

neil

 

[tiralie]

Thanks Tim. So, it is doable!  [smile]

Don't sand, use a good chemical stripper. The stain will be more difficult to remove, so you may have to sand a bit to get that out.
It's gonna be a lot of work but you will be so happy with the result. It will look better than before you spilled the "Glug" on it.
Like Neil says, you will be able to tell if it's veneer or not once you get down to the bare wood. Then you can proceed to either hand sanding or light machine sanding.
Based on what I can see, it looks like a solid top, but it's hard to tell.

Tim

 

[Runhard]

Thanks for the input.

I just want to say that I did not spill the Glug on it. I had a sink that was clogged, so I had my plumbing shop come work on it. After they unclogged the drain I got a call about a bad leak in the below office. Thankfully no one was in the office at the time. Apparently there was a hole in the drain line and when the plumbers broke through the clogg, the water/glug mixture exploded through the ceiling of the office. The glug destroyed the desk, chair, computer, 3 monitors, carpet... Basically everything it touched. I am very thankful no one was hurt. I bought a replacement desk, but thought I might try to salvage the damaged one instead of trashing it.

 

[tiralie]

The glug destroyed the desk, chair, computer, 3 monitors, carpet... Basically everything it touched.

Jeesh.
I just took a look at Glug ingredients and it contains Lye. Unless your plumber has done so, and in case any of the lye has stayed in the grain of the wood, you should neutralize with water and vinegar 5% after your stripping is completed.
Tim

 

[Runhard]

The glug destroyed the desk, chair, computer, 3 monitors, carpet... Basically everything it touched.

Jeesh.
I just took a look at Glug ingredients and it contains Lye. Unless your plumber has done so, and in case any of the lye has stayed in the grain of the wood, you should neutralize with water and vinegar 5% after your stripping is completed.
Tim

Nothing like that was done. I had Risk Management examine the area and basically had to dispose of everything damaged.

I have a Speedheater, would it be okay to heat and scrape the finish off? I will probably buy the SurFix kit as well. I will document this project, if I make the time to complete this project.

 

[tjbnwi]

Be carful heating the lye.

As Tim said, chemical strip.

Tom