Restoration of Furniture

[FannyR]

I have a large dining table and 6 chairs. The dining table has a solid oak top and legs, the legs are finished with bamboo. The chairs are made of very sturdy bamboo bound together with leather strips. The whole thing has been stained/varnished in a dark red colour. I would like to remove the colour and take the wood/bamboo back to its natural state. Please could you advise whether it is possible for me to do this, and the best method. Alternatively, can you recommend someone who could undertake this work - I live in the Dorset area and have made attempts to find someone to do this work - to no avail. Thanks.

[gardenknowin]

You could try - very carefully! - Liberon Fine Wood Stripper (quite pricy but VERY effective on delicate timber) Available from good hardware stores or phone [phone]. Try a small hidden area first with a soft brush, then clean with 00 grade wire-wool dipped in white spirit. Good luck! For the oak top you could use water-washable Nitromors, followed by sanding with 240 grit (works for me) Surprised there aren't any reliable furniture restorers in Dorset, try looking on Web.

[gardenknowin]

PS Have just looked up www.furniture restorers dorset on google and there are 46000 sites - surely one can help!!