If the laminate is wood you can use alochol but if the finish is lacquer then you will need a stripper stuff with acetone in it. If the alochol works use it. Then when dry for several days you can apply a shellac finish( easier to repair if damaged in the future. Lacquer is hard to apply with a brush. You will need to spray if usiing lacquer. An oil based varnish can be brushed on with a good brush with no problems. I do not recommend water based poly to plastic looking for me. I do not think sanding is a very good idea. No problems with the questions I will answer them where ever they are posted. Glad I can help. Thank you so much my pleasure.
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