How to determine which finish on furniture ?

[Jack01]

I have done 2 refinishing projects in last 2 months, dinning table and living room chairs.
Now I will be doing  2 stools .

My challenge is how to determine what finish is on so I can get proper stripprer (or chemicals)

Is there a trick to what finish?
Both stools have clear finish.

[MikeBob]

Most commercial finishes are lacquer.
Ge Bob Flexners book  "Understanding Wood Finishing", tells you all you need to know.

[jteneyck]

KleanStrip Premium stripper takes off just about any furniture finish.  It takes off typical clear coats fast, very fast.  

John

[Jack01]

KleanStrip Premium stripper takes off just about any furniture finish.  It takes off typical clear coats fast, very fast.  

John

John

I used KleanStrip Premium striper on the kitchen table I am working on , unfortunately it did not remove the clear coat in 1st application. Then I used Lacquer thinner as an experiment,I was not sure about the clear coat. after that application I applied the stripper, which took off the clear coat, I am still working on the remaining spots in corners etc.

I know one striper cannot be once size fits all, I was just trying to figure out how I can determine the what kind of clear coat before I start working on it.

[jteneyck]

Jack, that's the first first person account I've heard of where KS Premium didn't remove the finish on the first try.  It must have been some type of catalyzed finish, and a really good one at that.  I know they make one for epoxy based finishes; perhaps that one would do a better job for you should you still have a need.  

John

[Restorer]

Same here.  In the hundreds of pieces I have redone I have never had KS premium fail to strip the finish.  Other type of stripper have failed and even an lower level Kleen stripper, but not the premium.   Then I couldn't get lacquer thinner to take off lacquer.  99% of commercial finishes are lacquer.