A client's 'simple' table refinish turned into a week of stripping old varnish

They brought in this solid oak table from the 70s. Said it just needed a light sand and new coat. Underneath the top layer was about six layers of that old orange varnish, each one gummy. Used a full quart of Citristrip and went through a whole pack of steel wool. My hands hurt for two days after. Anyone else get stuck with a job that was way bigger than the client thought?

3 comments

3 Comments

scott.miles1mo ago

Oh man, that's just part of the gig though! You never really know what you're getting into until you start.

joel_butler1mo ago

Remember my buddy's "easy" moving job?

hunt.nora1mo ago

Honestly, that's on you for not asking more questions up front. A good mover sets clear expectations before showing up. You gotta ask about stairs, parking, and how much stuff is actually going. Calling any job "easy" is just asking for trouble if you don't get the details first.