We have a mahogany bar rail that is beat up. It needs to be sanded down and refinished. This has a complex profile. What is the best way to strip this without destroying the detail and what finish is best to go back with? I think it was varnish originally. This gets tough use and we were thinking poly but I know that is not universally accepted by “fine” woodworkers.
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Greetings gfretwell,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again which will increase it's viewing.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
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I'd hand-sand it to strip the old finish. Chemical strippers almost always require sanding when you're done anyway, and hand-sanding will be the best at preserving the profile.
If the sanding wasn't too destructive, you might not need to re-stain. If you do, my choice is a true penetrating oil stain. (Don't believe the cans at the big box stores -- go to Woodcraft and get some General Finishes stain.)
Follow that with lacquer -- polyurethane chips too easily, and shellac is not resistant to alcohol.
There are brushing lacquers available if you don't have spray equipment. You'll probably need more coats than you think (7 or 8 is OK), but the result is a bullet proof finish.
Thanks, for responding. We decided to send this out to a pro and it came back beautiful.