I am refinishing an old piece which has a red colored stain under the white paint. I cannot get this red stuff off. It leaves fingers and hands an orange color. What is it and how does one remove it from the wood? Any thoughts.

John from NE

Hi, Johnbarb!

If it might be a piece that's over 100 years old, then it's probably an analine dye stain. Those are probably the most colorfast and permanent of the stains available. In the early part of the twentieth century, using them was very popular and red for mohogany was definitely in vogue.

What is the old piece that you're refinishing, please?

Also, please be sure to wear protective gloves and clothing when doing any kind of furniture stripping and refinishing!

Thanks!

Clough
The piece is a 2 ft x 2 ft clover shaped end table with ornate legs and bottom shelf

Johnbarb


Hi, Johnbarb!

If it might be a piece that's over 100 years old, then it's probably an analine dye stain. Those are probably the most colorfast and permanent of the stains available. In the early part of the twentieth century, using them was very popular and red for mohogany was definitely in vogue.

What is the old piece that you're refinishing, please?

Also, please be sure to wear protective gloves and clothing when doing any kind of furniture stripping and refinishing!

Thanks!

Do you have an image of it that you could post on this thread, please?

Thanks!