Stripping is an essential aspect of furniture refinishing. In the past, stripping entailed dipping pieces of furniture into a solution to remove the existing finish. While effective, the dip method is not without its downsides. That’s why many furniture restoration companies opt for the flow-over method. 

Problems With Dipping

For stripping products to work effectively, they’re often made of harsh solvents that quickly remove the existing finish from a piece of furniture. However, the harshness of the solvents used for stripping can also affect other areas of the piece. In some cases, this can ruin a piece of furniture.

Wood furniture is usually held together by glue or carefully made joints. Exposing these components to stripping solvents compromises their stability. As a result, the glue may dissolve, while joints can weaken. Stripping chemicals can also dry out the wood, which may affect subsequent steps in the furniture refinishing process. 

How the Flow-Over Method Works

While the flow-over method uses the same solvents for stripping, the process for delivering them is different. Through tubing, the solvent is delivered to a specially made brush. This brush contains an opening, through which solvent seeps out. 

Instead of covering the entire piece with the solvent, the brush can apply the solvent to specific areas of the piece. The person performing the stripping can remove layers from the furniture one component at a time, which spares the wood joints and glue from damage. It also prevents wood from drying out, which is especially damaging to antique or vintage pieces. 

When it comes to furniture refinishing and restoration, having the right tools and using the right techniques are crucial. In Marietta, GA, Apex Furniture Refinishing uses innovative techniques, such as the flow-over method, to restore furniture. Asim Qureshi, the owner and operator, is committed to quality craftsmanship at every step of the way, whether restoring furniture, cabinetry, or upholstery. Call (770) 971-2007 today for more information. You can also learn more about the stripping process online.