Planner Group Desk  

After researching - I have...
After researching - I have decided this piece is real. Looks like the later versions have a sticker on tag which was probably removed at some point. The desk is solid maple. It has been painted with latex paint- bleh- anyone know the best way to remove this?
Got it for $45 yesterday!

orange glo you will find it i...
orange glo you will find it in the wood working section of your local hardware store. It is non toxic and supposedly made of natural ingredients. I use it when ever i have to refinish a piece. wear gloves and apply it really thick. Let it sit for about 30 minutes ish then scrape it off. repeat in spots that require more striping. afterwards wipe the entire piece down with paint thinner like mineral spirits. let it dry for around 24 hours before you begin sanding, and staining it.
I also use to only use minwax stains but after trying cabot stains I find them to have much more depth and lustrous finish. The pieces i have done in cabots cherry wood (used on walnut looks amazing) get lots of compliments and looks similar to rosewood when finished.
use what works for you but I really recommend their stains.