u/TheOriginalDiscoMan

Hello,

I bought this bamboo shelving unit from an antique store. I intend to restore it and put houseplants on it. As you can see, it’s in pretty rough shape.

It has little plasticky flakes coming off of it in droves- I assume that’s the original varnish that’s been dried out by the sun. 

I don’t want to paint it or stain it or anything. Just take this junk off, clean it, and re-seal it with a protective coating. 

Based on what I’ve read, the best/ easiest process would be wipe the flaking parts with mineral spirits, lightly sand it with fine grit sandpaper, and then apply 2-3 coats of satin polyurethane.

Not sure if anyone here has any experience with something like this and has any better ideas though, hence my post. Thank you!