I am refinishing a dresser. I removed the majority of the old paint and finish in my living room using a non-caustic stripper (Citristrip). I am at the point where I need to sand and then stain the wood.

Here is my problem. I live in an apartment and have a dog, so I don't want to sand or stain it inside. I don't want to expose the dog to sawdust and stain/finish fumes so my only other option is to bring the piece to a friends house who has a detached garage/workshop. However, it is cold here 40° F and below (some nights over the next 10 days it will drop to below 20° F). I know that its not recommended to stain in cold temps.

So I guess my options are:

1. Stain indoors (not really an option b/c of the dog)

2. Stain in cold garage

3. Wait until Spring to stain


Also, it has been suggested that the piece is not quite ready for sanding. Someone said I should use a methylene chloride stripper to get the paint residue that is in the grain. That sanding wont get it out...and that I should do this in a well ventilated area in 60° + weather. Which obviously isn't happening for a while...

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Here is the item I am staining:

Original

During the first coat of Citristrip
After first coat of Citristrip

After second coat
After second coat 2

This message has been edited. Last edited by: stargazer424,

Although not really recommended by the manufacturer but staining unlike finish work can really be done at that temperature. But when it comes time for the top coat(s) of protectant I would find a warmer enviroment. You may have to use a couple coats of stain to make sure that you have good penetration.

You really need to get as much of the paint off as possible. Any paint left on the piece will effect the stain penetration. I would find a stiff brush and once the stripper is working scrub the piece vigoriously to get the paint out of the grain. I have really not had that much luck with that particular stipper. I use Stripeez which is more a chemical stripper.

Once the piece is stripped to your satification then follow-up with a vinegar/water solution to neutralize the stripping agent. Allow it to dry throughly!!!. Using water based stripper will raise the grain. Good for getting the paint out but bad because you need to throughly sand the complete piece before staining. Be careful on the sanding. A lot of furniture is veneer and it doesn't take long to eat through it to the substraite.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: redoverfarm,

I think I have a solution. My friend said I can bring it down to his basement instead of the garage. The basement has windows that I can open for ventilation and I can bring a fan to circulate the fumes toward them. Then I can do the chemical stripping, stain and finish indoors.

I will get some methylene chloride stripper and see how it goes.

be careful when you sand, if the chest is made from plywood. It is easy to sand through the veneer. If it's solid wood you can sand to your hearts content. if plywood , you might want to look at faux finishing, if done right, it's hard to tell the difference between natural grain and faux grain