The PHILCO Phorum
Cleaning existing finish - Printable Version

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Cleaning existing finish - fields 100 - 08-26-2014

Up until now I've either stripped or buffed out the existing finish. This time I would like to just clean it as the finish is very delicate.What should I use? The one everyone uses on here, I believe, contains pumice.Is it OK to use or it is available without it?
Thanks.

RE: Cleaning existing finish - Eric Adams - 08-26-2014

Use GOJO without pumice and a lot of elbow grease.

Cleaning existing finish - lacountyretired - 08-26-2014

Since I am a newbe here I hope I will not be drumed out of town for asking this question. Where do I go to buy some GOJO?

RE: Cleaning existing finish - Eric Adams - 08-26-2014

No problem. You should be able to get GOJO (by the way it is a waterless hand cleaner)at any auto parts store. You can also try Walmart. It comes in a small tub. If you see something called GOOP, get it. It is the same thing.
Here's a website that shows how well it works: He calls it "The Treatment"

RE: Cleaning existing finish - lacountyretired - 08-26-2014

Thank you Eric, I will hot foot it down to my local parts store and get some.

RE: Cleaning existing finish - Eliot Ness - 08-26-2014

Just to reinforce what others have said, for anyone new to the GOJO or GOOP method, you want to buy the kind of that has no pumice. Typically that will be a white rather than orange container. I found some GOOP at Harbor Freight that came in a large tube that makes it very convenient to use:

[Image: http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/160x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_17499.jpg]

RE: Cleaning existing finish - Eric Adams - 08-26-2014

This is the explanation of "The Treatment"

After a good cleaning with GOJO, allow the finish time to get completely dry,
wipe it with a paper towel to make sure nothing comes off,
when it's completely dry I use Old English scratch cover. They have it
for Dark Wood and for Light colored wood, choose which ever matches
your cabinet.
I usually apply it at least twice. Wiping with a paper towel afterwards
to assure it to is dry. I again usually wait at least until the next day to
allow full drying time.
When it's completely dry, no color comes off when you wipe it with a paper
towel, I apply Johnson's Paste Wax, in the flat yellow can.

RE: Cleaning existing finish - OldRestorer - 08-26-2014

How is it applied by you all?

I use #0000 steel wool and dont use too much elbow grease. someone else did and the sanded through the finish.... Using #0000 steel wool Icon_eek
Thats a lot of elbow grease.

Kirk

RE: Cleaning existing finish - Eliot Ness - 08-26-2014

I like to start off with something like a large cotton gauze pad or cloth. For stubborn areas you can switch to 0000 steel wool if needed, but be gentle and wipe with the grain.

RE: Cleaning existing finish - EricS - 10-02-2014

Paper towels and GoJo works for me. I slather it on by hand, rubbing gently. Eventually, the GoJo "melts" and begins to run/drip. Use clean dry paper towels and wipe gently. Keep wiping until the paper towels come away clean. Let it dry for a day or two so the "wet look" goes away to see how well you've done. Sometimes, I need to repeat this process, but it works amazingly well.