Stripping a laminated stock

[DDelle338]

  I have a "Boyd's" laminated stock that I want to refinish. I was thinking that there might be a problem using a chemical stripper to remove the finish because of the glue used in the lamination. Is this a correct assumption? Also, when it comes time to refinish, I want to add some color but still want the laminate look. I was thinking that putting on some stain then wiping it off rather quickly before putting on a coat of lighter stain would be the best approach for what I want to achieve. Any knowledgeable input would be appreciated. I have never worked with laminated stocks before.
    Thanks
          Dave

[charles p]

I would guess (Note:  guess) that a stripper product that is safe to use on veniered furniture would be OK.  I base my assumption on the premise that since venier is a glued surface, the product in an appropriate stripper would not disolve away the glue. 

Better hold out for an expert opinion.

[bilmac]

I would scrape the old finish off rather than using chemicals. It's not too hard. A piece of glass with a freshly broken edge makes a good scraper for something as hard as a stock finish. Cover the edges you aren't using to protect your hands. Scrape off as much as you can and then sandpaper. Don't start with sandpaper, the finish will clog it.

Stain makers say to experiment on a piece of scrap, yea sure. If you know what the laminate is that you want to change, like birch, you might get a piece from the lumberyard to experiment with, but even then I doubt it would be real similar to the wood in your stock.

[Whiz]

Dave, get some good stripper, like the air craft stripper at Wal-Mart, and just do it.  Follow the directions on the can and make sure to have good ventilation.

It is easy to change the color of the wood when you get the finish off and have dry wood.  What color is the stock?  One of my favorite changes is to take Rit Cloth Dye and put it on a brown "Cinnamon Laminate Stock".  It will make the wood look almost like rose wood.

I am working on a black/gray stock now and have mixed oil based red wood dye, a dash of red oak, and just a bit of ebony dye together.  It makes the black/gray stock look like granite stone.  Don't be afraid to experiment, you can take it off if you don't like it.   

Preparation is the key.  Take the time to sand and de-fuzz the stock.  I will start off with 100/120 sand paper and end up with a 400 grit.   When you think it is done, start over with the 400 and remember 4/0 steel wool is your friend when you get it just about done.  After you have the wood the color you like, let it dry well.

When you choose a final finish, perhaps we can help with that.
 

[DDelle338]

   Whiz

  The stock is light brown/cinnamon now. And your pick of rosewood is exactly what I think I'd like to do. What color Rit dye do you use? Do you just leave it on until it dries? Or, did you rub it off after some time? Does this still show allot of the laminate pattern? I want that pattern to show through the base color when I'm done.
  I'm thinking Tru-oil for the finish. I've used it on other stocks in the past and like the ability to "adjust" for the hue with 4/O steel wool. And the ability to touch it up after some wear starts to show.
 Thanks for the info.