Cleaning buffet

I had planned to paint and glaze this old buffet. It has some nice carving that doesn't show up well because of the dark varnish. I read that Krud Kutter is safe to use. I had always wanted to get that varnish off and the KK seemed to be doing that much to my surprise. It looks like it's taking it back to its unfinished state. I was beginning to think I wouldn't need to paint after all. The problem is that it's coming off very unevenly and looks blotchy (I started in an inconspicuous place). I wanted to leave the top unpainted but I'm afraid to use the KK and possibly mar the surface. Much of the dark varnish has worn off the top and it has a nice patina. What's my next step? I'm intrigued by the possibility of being able to remove that varnish with just a cleaner. If I can't remove it, I need to be able to clean it thoroughly and paint.

 

Varnish/lacquer should come off with lacquer thinner. It will lighten the look so you may need to put some color back in depending on your taste.

I might add that today's lacquer thinner (at least here in the US) seems less volatile than in the past. Takes longer to work and is less effective. Same is true for paint strippers. Not sure if you can even get methylene chloride based strippers anymore. That would take your finish off quickly, if available.