Refinish without removing old finish?

Just in case anyone is wondering...

I have used true strippers, then sanded and applied a brush on finish.  I have also used different finishes from simple linseed oil, to multiple coats of hand rubbed varnish.  There is only one way to get a smooth finish that looks deep, kind of like a real Candy Apple Red car finish.

I have done some searching, and found photos of a 1970's can that had Formby's Furniture Refinisher in it.  The contents were different back when I used it, compared to the current, Minwax version.  The old formula (as shown on the can) was methyl alcohol, toluene, and methylene chloride.  The new formula is acetone, toluene, methyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and rosin (from a current SDS).  I have no idea how the new formula works, compared to the old.  Maybe I will try it some day.  The Formby's dissolves the finish, leaves some still on the wood, and some of it ends up in the pan of solvents.  I certainly did not pay that much for the kits I used.  Maybe I will try mixing it myself, like others have done.

Bunsen