This technique is called "porching". It is best not to put the millwork out
in the yard without cover as it will get wet, warp and rot. But, put it on
the back porch, the front porch, and the sleeping porch. Pray for a hard,
cold, wet winter. Paint will be on the porch floor by spring. No sanding, no
nasty chemicals. Just sweep up chips, place in bag labeled "Hazardous Waste"
and stuff under the porch. Ta dah! Done.

-----Original Message-----
From: Ralph Walter [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2000 11:39 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Cold Strip


In a fit of frugality (which has lasted almost 50 years) I decided to take
the millwork (polar, originally varnish stained, subsequently painted) from
my parlor and let it spend a winter in the backyard, but off the ground.  I
was pleasantly surprised by how much paint came off before I decided I was
flush enough to spring for having it stripped and refinished in a local
shop.
So I sent it off to the shop, where they sanded the bejesus out of
everything
(and the profiles off all the moldings) after some sort of dip strip
operation, and charged me a goddam fortune ($4 grand, as I remember) for the
privilege.  It's still sitting in the parlor 2 years later, awaiting
reinstallation.

Hasten not, lest ye be hosed.

Ralph