Advice on taking apart wooden chair that is stapled

Actually a rubber mallet is pretty effective. So is a "spreader", which is like a clamp, but works in reverse. The two thoughts are that a quick smack can just pop the parts apart. A slow steady outward pressure can pull them apart. In both cases, the possibility exists that there may be tearout from the disassembly.

If the joint is glued, try a heat gun. That should loosen the bond.






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morrow95 said:

Bought some aircraft remover tonight from the local auto store. This was in an aerosol can. Sprayed it on a few pieces from the above picture and absolutely nothing happened - nothing came off at all.

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I don't know what you bought, but Aircraft Stripper that works is too thick for an aerosol can. It would come in a quart can, and be the consistency of a heavy applesauce.

Another choice to remove the finish would be to use a heat gun and a scraper. That will likely remove any finish.






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I don't think it's been established what the wood is. If it's one prone to blotching, a conditioner of some sort may be beneficial. As for staining, if you found a color in an oil base that a one time application was a winner (tried on a sample), that would be an easy finish. Trying to darken an oil base finish can affect how well a topcoat will adhere. Adding additional coats of stain will likely not achieve a desirable color increase.

Keep in mind that when making samples, take them to the final finish, whatever that may be. Just a stained piece will look different when a topcoat has been applied. Using a dye, will afford you the opportunity to apply additional coats.

Dyes can be wiped or sprayed on. If you are equipped to spray a finish (not a rattle can), that would be the way to go.






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