There are many ways to remove an old finish, some of them more difficult than others.
His glance at Heldra would have removed old finish from any piece of furniture.
These are designed to soften and partly remove the old finish without stripping it completely.
However, if the old finish is dull but otherwise in good condition, chances are you don't have to remove the varnish.
We would like to strip off the old finish down to the original wood.
Stripping old finish and applying a new one are not always necessary.
You will have to remove the old finish and strip the floor down to the bare wood.
If you do not remove the old finish, then you will have to continue applying the same type of coating used before.
But because of the area involved it is best to hire an industrial sanding machine to clean away dirt and any old finish.
There's a whole new interest now in original upholstery and old finishes.