Thread: Removing ALL finish from veneer question

I've recently got into refurbishing Art Deco furniture because I love the timber patterns and style.

i have refurbished a few pieces with baring success, mostly side tables with patterned veneered tops.

I run into one major problem when refurbishing and that is removing all the previous finish. I mean the little stubborn bits stuck int the pores of the veneer. I use paint stripper to great affect however, there always seem to be little stubborns bits.. Usually own seen when applying the new finish.

these are my usual steps:
1) paint strip finish, usually 2-3 coats. removing the stripper with scrapper and steel wool.
2) clean piece with soapy water or mentholated spirits.
3) sometimes I add a bleach coat for consistent colour and possible vinegar to nut realize bleach.
4) shellac seal coat/s
5) oil/varnish finish

I recently finished a cocktail cabinet with a flame maple veneer, however I've noticed some splodgyness on one of the panels, which I can only describe as blurry smudge, the old finish was not complete removed?

I am quite conscious of the fact not to sand through the veneer as I have done this in the past.. But if anyone has any method of removing those little bits of old finish without sanding through, I would love to hear it.