11 Feb Nuwave Laser Cleaner
At Penders Antiques and Refinishing, our work has always been about respect—for craftsmanship, materials, and history. Every piece that comes through our doors has a story, and our job is to restore it without erasing what makes it special. Over the years, we’ve used countless methods to strip finishes, remove paint, and clean surfaces, but none have transformed our process the way the Nuwave Laser Cleaner/Stripper has.
Traditional stripping methods get the job done, but they often come with compromises and abrasive sand blasting can permanently alter a surface. The Nuwave laser changes that entirely. It allows us to remove old finishes, paint, grime, and buildup with incredible precision, targeting only what needs to be removed while leaving the original material intact. That control is invaluable, especially when working on antique and heirloom furniture.
When refinishing wood furniture, the difference is immediately noticeable. The Nuwave laser lifts layers of paint, varnish, shellac, and lacquer as well as oil and grease without digging into the grain or damaging delicate carvings, joints, or profiles. Instead of aggressive sanding, we’re left with a clean, even surface that still retains its character. This not only preserves the integrity of the piece but also dramatically improves the final finish. Stains absorb more evenly, finishes lay smoother, and far less corrective work is needed before finishing begins.
Efficiency improvements are just as important as quality. What once took days of careful stripping and cleanup can now be completed in a fraction of the time. With tools like the Nuwave laser, there is no chemical residue to neutralize, no excessive dust, and very minimal cleanup. The laser has become another valuable tool in our process, allowing us to work more efficiently while maintaining the same level of care and attention to detail.
This does not mean we are moving away from traditional, proven methods. We are not trying to reinvent the wheel. Many pieces are still better suited to being stripped using old-fashioned techniques, and those methods remain an important part of our work. The goal is not replacement, but growth and innovation, using the best tool for each individual project.
The Nuwave Laser Cleaner/Stripper has also expanded what we can offer beyond traditional furniture refinishing. Its ability to clean and strip metal has opened new doors for us, from restoring antique hardware and metal accents to cleaning rust, oxidation, and old coatings from industrial and architectural pieces. The laser removes corrosion without thinning or damaging the metal, making it ideal for restoration, welding prep, or recoating. We can now work on mixed-material pieces—wood and metal—confidently, knowing each surface is treated correctly.
Beyond wood and metal, the laser’s versatility allows us to work on a wider range of surfaces, including stone, brick, and specialty materials. That flexibility positions Penders Antiques and Refinishing to serve a new market of clients, from designers and builders to collectors, car enthusiasts, and commercial customers who need precision surface cleaning without damage. It’s no longer just about furniture—it’s about restoration, preservation, and preparation at the highest level.
Equally important is how clean and environmentally responsible the process is. The Nuwave laser eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and reduces waste, creating a safer environment for our shop and a more sustainable approach overall. That matters to us, and it matters to our clients who care about how their pieces are restored, not just the end result.
Investing in the Nuwave Laser Cleaner/Stripper represents a step forward for Penders Antiques and Refinishing. It allows us to honor traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern technology, improving our refinishing process, and expanding the scope of what we can offer. For our customers, that means better results, greater preservation, and access to services that simply weren’t possible before. For us, it means continuing to grow while staying true to the standards that define our work.
