beth

Years ago, my daughter put tape on the woodwork and a yellowed film came up with it when the tape was removed...We're now trying to remove this ultra shiny film which is over the original finish--or poorly-removed original finish. We can literally remove this yellow glossy coating by taping over the surface and pulling up the tape. A little tack rag, and the surface is nice sometimes, splotchy others. And it feels waxy. Water beads up on it.
I'd love to not have to "strip" it. Anyone have some idea of what is going on here? Never seen it in 30 years of off and on home/furniture restoration.

Would really appreciate any suggestions!

thanks in advance
beth

cabinetman

Without seeing or feeling the problem, my shot in the dark guess is a scientific word I call "gunge" or "mung", which could be an alien tactic demonstrating their presence. It could be just old waxes or polishes that have finally interacted with whatever finish was there.

You might first try just giving it a good cleaning with mineral spirits and see what happens.

eastend

could be old orange shellac. try a little denatured alcohol and see if it dissolves the finish. otherwise try cleaning with naptha, and scotch brite pads.

jerry

You got some good advice, If all else fails you can always use a chemical stripper.

Jerry
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