STRIPPING
Apply the stripper to the surface liberally with a brush.
After a few minutes the coating should lift up and can be removed with a scraper. moulded surfaces can be cleaned with a scrubbing brush or coarse steel wool.
Remaining coating can be removed by repeating the process.
Wash the surface thoroughly with either cellulose thinners or stripwash.
Leave the surface to dry.
Smooth the surface, starting with 150 grade sand paper and finishing with 240 grade. Always work with the grain, never across.

BLEACHING
Bleaching is used to remove all unwanted marks and return the timber to a neutral consistent base on which to build the new finish.
Apply the "A" bleach with a bleach brush. The timber surface should be thoroughly soaked so that the pores of the timber are wetted out. Leave for 10 or 15 minutes.
Apply the "B" bleach with a different brush. The bleaching process should become apparent after 10 or 15 minutes.
Apply a second coat of the "B" bleach just before the surface dries out.
Leave the timber for one hour and then wash thoroughly with water to neutralise the remaining bleach.
Leave for 24 hours to dry and the smooth the surface starting with 150 grade sandpaper and finishing with 240 grade.

STAINING and FILLING
The required colour should be achieved by applying oil or water based stain prior to filling.
A liberal supply of filler should be applied with a piece of hessian and rubbed into the grain with a circular movement. Any excess should be removed with a clean piece of hessian.
Allow 4 hours to dry and then lightly sand with a worn piece of 240 grade sandpaper.

FRENCH POLISHING
The first part of French Polishing is to make a rubber to apply the polish to the timber surface.
These rubbers are cleverly contrived pads with the inside composed of cotton wool or wadding and around it a covering of soft rag. The rag must be soft and there is no better material than an old handkerchief.
The shape of the rubber counts for a good deal. Spread out the handkerchief on the table, and fold up the wadding so that it forms a flat triangle. Grip the pad in the right hand and by the bunch of material and then with the palm of the left hand, pat the rubbing surface until it is nice and flat. The rubber should resemble a shoe in shape, with a flat sole and a pointed toe.
You are ready to apply the polish.
Apply one coat of french polish with a brush and allow to dry for at least 30 minutes.
Denib with 240/320 lubricated paper.
Start the bodying up process by applying one rubber of polish using linseed oil as a lubricant. Fill the grain and allow to dry overnight.
Denib and continue with the bodying up process to achieve a full gloss finish. Remove the last traces of oil with finishing spirit. The rubber should be charged almost entirely with finishing spirit at this stage.