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I'm just starting to tackle the same problem myself. I did remove a stain once using hydrogen peroxide and that worked very well. I am coming to the conclusion that sanding is the best way but I always find the surface retains some marks from orbital sanders so the big drum sanders make sense.
I've been thinking about using a handheld belt sander the Festool BS105 is one of the few I don't have and I have a big excuse. I know I'll regret it when it takes hours to do the job and costs a fortune in sandpaper but I'll have the tool which will make me feel better.
I meant to try and answer the earlier question about removing varnish and stain from wood with ir stripping. I just don't know if it works and can't find anything to test it on. In principal it should work, I'm hoping to find a way to test it soon.
Airhead-
You can’t beat the big sanders and they ain’t even expensive to hire. Like £100 for the weekend plus paper buttons for all the time it will save never mind your back.
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I read something on one of brands website that said no, so haven't even bothered trying tbh. Makes sense as the stain on our woodwork clearly permeates the grain a bit.
I picked up a new sheet sander last night as well as a random orbital. Between those and the belt I'll have another go at it properly this weekend. Even tempted to pick up one of those little bobbin spindles for a drill for doing the Newell post curves.
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I used a belt sander to remove varnish from an old office desk. I found out fairly quickly that it was veneered. I didn’t realise Festool made a belt sander. Very niiice.
konastab01
Polygon
Sharkstar
Lots of the our solid woods doors have a varnish type finish on them which has darkened them quite a bit. I've sanded a few of them to make sure its not a stain and doesn't permeate too far, so I think its a surface varnish. And, I really don't want to have to sand every single one if there is something out there I can use to remove it.
What is the best route to removing this varnish and getting them back to a lighter natural finish?