Usually, you would buy some varnish stripper from the hardware store/
Home Depot. It also strips skin as well as varnish, so you need
decent rubber gloves, and eye protection. Also get a sandpaper
assortment med and fine and a sanding block. A small project like a
coffee table can be worked on outside, which is the best ventilation.
If you have to work indoors, I would also get a cartidge-type
respirator. Put the stripper on and scrub it with whatever works best
- a nylon pad, stiff brush, plastic scraper. Don't get it on your
skin. An apron and closed-toe work shoes are good ideas. Be careful
not to scratch the wood as you scrape off the stripper - don't use
steel wool or metal. You may need multiple applications. It's
easier to re-stain a dark color over a light one, so the darker the
cherry, the less you will have to scrub on the old finish. Sand it
well before and between varnish coats, and brush off all the dust each
time. Good luck. |