restaurant 's wooden booths

[Jeffrey Abrams]

I've been asked to quote on restaining wooden booth of a restaurant. I'm not sure what the right steps would be in completing this project . First, the overall condition is good with the exception of where people sit. That area lacks stain and is lighter looking than the rest of the wood. The wood is very smooth which tells me there is a poly, varnish, lacquer or shellac over the top. I don't know how to tell the difference. Can I get away with sanding and then applying a new finish? Or do I have to strip the finish off and then reapply the new stain? I,m worried because it's inside and I have to worry about the cushions , floor and other surrounding that could protentially damaged. I don't think its practical to pressure wash in this setting.
Jumping ahead, if I get to this point what do I put over the top of the stain and how many coats?

 

[Mike Hughes]

Jeff,

Unless you are looking to branch into this type of work, I think you need to pass on this job right now. With May on the horizon, you can probably make double the money by keeping your efforts focused on houses and decks.............gaining referrals, etc.

Doing a project like this will most likely occupy a lot of time, and not be a very profitable experience...............unless of course you can save it for a rainy week like the one we just had.

Good luck.