I've got a massive project on my hands with tons of oak trim and cabinets that I need to restyle from their golden oak finish. We've started sanding and re-staining, and while it's looking good, I'm realizing it's going to take forever with just a handheld sander. I'm considering soda blasting as a way to speed up the process of getting rid of the original stain. Has anyone tried this method? Is it effective, or could it damage the oak wood beneath?
3 Answers
I tried soda blasting on Douglas fir, and it worked for removing the softer parts of the wood. I've never done it on oak, though. It might be worth checking out your specific wood type!
Just a heads up, soda blasting can create a huge mess in your home! The white powder can get everywhere, even in air vents. Plus, you might still need to do some sanding afterward to smooth out the surface since blasting can leave it uneven. Some folks use chemical strippers to help speed things up before sanding, but you still have to work on the surfaces afterward.
Oh man, I hear you! Stripping old finishes feels like a real nightmare. If you decide to blast, I suggest trying softer media, like walnut shells, to minimize damage.