I recently began the restoration of a lovely 19th-century mahogany writing desk that came from a local estate. It’s a beautiful piece, but I’m realizing that the original finish has deteriorated significantly over the years. I’m interested to hear if anyone has experience with safe stripping methods that ensure we preserve as much of the historical integrity as possible while restoring its beauty.
I once used a Method 1 safe stripper with a natural base on a similar desk, and it really helped maintain the wood’s integrity while getting rid of the old finish. Just be sure to test it on a small area first. Have you tried any specific products yet?
For that desk, I’ve had good luck with a gel-based stripper. It clings to the surface and doesn’t drip, which can help prevent damage to intricate details. Just make sure to test it on a small area first — sometimes older finishes can react unexpectedly. @luna_rod50, did you notice any specific spots that were tougher to strip?