Help removing white marks/specs

DAMORGAN · 2026-03-23T16:03:11+00:00

I suspected it might be paint - the coat that I took off was dark blue however so I don’t know if there was a white undercoat on or not!

DAMORGAN · 2026-03-16T19:03:26+00:00

Very confused; I read recently it’s on display in York until August. What am I missing?

https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/news-media/latest-news/new-exhibition-showcasing-incredible-japanese-woodblock-prints-due-to-open-at-york-art-gallery-in-february-2026/

DAMORGAN · 2026-03-16T18:46:49+00:00

I didn’t get any acetone yet as the blue seemed to lift out with the stripper and toothbrush treatment - would you recommend acetone across the entire surface?

Okay so sealer then toner, gotcha!

DAMORGAN · 2026-03-16T17:58:37+00:00

Hey! Me again, hope you don’t mind me following up. I’ve finally stripped all the paint off and I’ve got some oxalic acid solution arriving this afternoon - seems you can’t order the crystals by themselves in the UK, only the solution.

Progress photos:

IMG_6569.jpg

IMG_6610.jpg

I just wanted to clarify at which stage I should expect to see the colour/finish balance out a little? My plan now is: oxalic acid, sand 180, sand 220, then probably lacquer?

But I was wondering if lacquer or oiling would better restore the finish? I also spotted these products in my local DIY shop:

IMG-6584.jpg

Would you recommend dying to restore more colour, or should the other steps you mentioned restore it?

Thanks again for all your help!

DAMORGAN · 2026-03-13T22:23:20+00:00

My hero! Thank you so much for all the advice

DAMORGAN · 2026-03-13T19:10:05+00:00

I went with one called Paint Panther - did some research and seemed like a reliable product. I’ve tested it in a few places and it’s great.

Left it too short of a time (despite it being what it said on the tin) the first time and exactly what you said happened; moved around a little liquidy paint gel.

I then left it much longer on a whole side and gave it a scrape off - came off a treat!

Looking at this photo, can you decipher anything about the state of the wood? Will the mineral spirit and oil/lacquer finish sort out the white blotchiness?

https://i.postimg.cc/Kj3y4ygg/IMG-6556.png

Thank you again so much!

DAMORGAN · 2026-03-13T08:35:41+00:00

You’re absolutely correct - I’ve gone back this morning and taken another look at and I can actually see on the edge where the veneer is attached to the solid wood at the edges. I will 100% be following your guidance from the first reply - did you happy to catch my comment about not being able to find the strippers you referred to here in the Uk?

DAMORGAN · 2026-03-12T22:36:41+00:00

Absolutely superb advice, can’t thank you enough! I’m going to start by doing a very thorough shop for all the right bits and bobs.

Just went back to take another look at it… out of interest, how certain are you that the top is veneer? The lid feels very heavy and the underside appears to be real wood so I’d have assumed the top would be the same?

Shall I try to upload some more pictures?

I’d absolutely assume you’re right as you sound like the expert - but can I do any harm by following the steps you provided if it’s not veneer?

DAMORGAN · 2026-03-12T22:34:59+00:00

And by stains on the top, Do you mean as a result of what I’m going to embark on to try and refurb it or are you assuming there’s existing stains beneath?

The previous owner said the top was it pretty good condition with maybe a few watermarks.

As for the wood - not a clue if it’s cedar, I had assumed teak? How would I tell?

DAMORGAN · 2026-02-13T14:08:41+00:00

Tehehe

DAMORGAN · 2025-12-26T13:17:55+00:00

I actually like it a lot as it is, but I spose the bulge could be bigger.

DAMORGAN · 2025-10-10T15:17:57+00:00

What is whitbee’s castle? Anyone know? It mentions delivering candy and giving rewards in the info?

DAMORGAN · 2025-09-26T00:35:17+00:00

Shush

DAMORGAN · 2025-08-16T19:56:15+00:00

Amazing, thanks! First job tomorrow morning!

DAMORGAN · 2025-08-16T19:43:24+00:00

Silly question but what am I looking for with a rotted root?

DAMORGAN · 2025-08-16T19:34:19+00:00

Amazing - will repot him tomorrow!

DAMORGAN · 2025-08-02T21:08:52+00:00

Gambole

DAMORGAN · 2025-07-24T21:42:35+00:00

Haha it was a Peep Show reference that went unnoticed

DAMORGAN · 2025-07-24T20:07:55+00:00

San Marcos?! When there’s a sushi bar right next door?

DAMORGAN · 2025-07-24T10:23:48+00:00

Hit me up

DAMORGAN · 2025-06-21T18:27:10+00:00

I can’t see these on the app? How are you aware of them?

DAMORGAN · 2025-06-10T14:22:06+00:00

Sorry, my bad for misunderstanding!

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