Need some finishing advice:
Background: 18th Century wall paneling of oak (rails) and unknown center panels with carvings. Installed, millwork and paneling matched to continue in room and then all painted with oil primer & 2 coats of alkyd topcoat. Then STRIPPED, and a wood conditioner sealer applied.
I have been hired to match the new wood which is poplar and maple for the panels to look like the old wood. What would be the best way to remove the sealer and bring back the new wood to life for staining? I think the paint removal process with scrappers and then the sealer on top of that is not allowing the grain in the maple or poplar to come through the stains.
Today I will be trying Lacquer thinner to remove the sealant.
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.