markpelly Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 I am in the process of rebuilding a shop that used to my great grandfathers (more to come on that later) and I disassembled his old work bench the other night. I have been thinking of ways to reuse the wood from it in a way that will keep me remembering him. He was a great guy. So I was thinking maybe using the top as a head board. Now, a couple questions. I know finishing is going to be a pain because of all the oil, lubricant, and other fluids in-bedded in the wood from 50+ years of being a mechanic. Any ideas on what I can do to keep the color? Maybe poly over everything without removing/sanding anything. Or would I need to strip and sand this before finishing it? Next question is, is this sanitary? Will poly be able to make a protective seal over the old chemicals in the wood. When I say chemicals I really mean just lubricants and a few random other things. I can post some pictures of the wood later tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 My first thought would be to test cleaning an area with a solvent like lacquer thinner to remove the bulk of the oils from the surface. I wouldn't soak the surface, just wipe with a rag . If this doesn't remove the color too much a barrier coat of shellac should stick. After that poly would give you a final finish. I wonder about the oils, solvents and smells out gassing in a bedroom. I would think about closing the bench top up in a confined space after cleaning for a few days and giving it a test sniff by the most sensitive nose available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markpelly Posted April 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Great info, I will have to give it a try with the lacquer thinner. When you say lacquer thinner you mean something like mineral spirits correct? As far as the off gassing, I am the guy for the job on smells. I am the first to smell something anywhere as well as distinguishing what the smell consists of hah. I bet I can find a good spot to close this end product in to see if there is any smells. My only issue is building the whole thing and then finding out that it smells too much to sleep next to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 My only issue is building the whole thing and then finding out that it smells too much to sleep next to. I had an old dog like that once but finally got used it Good luck on your project. Post pics when you get er done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Lacquer thinner is potent stuff, it has toluene and xylene in it. Definitely not mineral spirits, but you could try that first. Use outside, wear gloves and a respirator wouldn't hurt either. No smoking or open flames either ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markpelly Posted April 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 I had an old dog like that once but finally got used it Good luck on your project. Post pics when you get er done Haha, nice. I will post some pictures indeed. Lacquer thinner is potent stuff, it has toluene and xylene in it. Definitely not mineral spirits, but you could try that first. Use outside, wear gloves and a respirator wouldn't hurt either. No smoking or open flames either ! Got it, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted April 11, 2014 Report Share Posted April 11, 2014 As wdwerker said, a barrier coat (or three) of shellac should allow poly to adhere, once the surface is somewhat clean. Shellac and poly will both add a warm tone, so be prepared for the color to change a bit. Should still look really good, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markpelly Posted April 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2014 Okay great, I am excited to see how it comes out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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