Stripping

Ha ha well at least your honest about what posts attract you. LOL No it's not painted now and I won't paint it promise. But I would still have to buy a stripper
to take off the current stain and lacquer right??? When you paint this stripper on and leave it the required amount of time what exactly does it do?? Does it take the stuff off or loosen it or what??? I think the staining part sounds easy but the stripping part sounds hard. I'd still love to try it though. My sister said why don't you buy something new but I like this set. It was my Mom and Dad's and its a really good solid set. They paid a lot of money then for it. I'll have to make a trip to the hardware store. I know someone said the stripper stuff really smells but even if I could do one piece at a time outside or something. What do you think?

If its already stained rather than painted stripper wont work really. Your best bet is just get the fine grade sandpaper and sand it down. You only need laquer if you want the surface shiny. Easiest option is sand it then re-stain it and just use a decent wax. That should be fine. Its really down to what look you want. It would be hard to mess it up as if it goes wrong just sand it again and try something else.

As I said,I dont think stripper would work on stained wood but your friend was right it stinks and you wouldnt want to use it inside. Its really corrosive aswell so dont get it on your hands. Its mainly for painted surfaces though.

I'm so happy to hear that I won't need a stripper then cause that sounded like a lot more work. Its just a solid wood table and chairs in a dark stain but there are areas where the stain has worn down. So if all I have to do is sand it down that doesn't sound too bad. I could start with a chair and just work on one piece at a time. Now the sanding is primarily to take the stain/varnish off right??? So when you say a good wax do you mean after I stain it the shiny stuff that goes on top?
I would be using a dark stain but yes I would want a shiny finish. Now how many layers of stain do you need?? Would one do?? Also does stain take long to dry?? Thanks for all your help Mike I really do appreciate it cause nobody else has responded and I really look forward to tackling this project.