Yes, as long as the previous finish is not lacquer or shellac. Be sure to test the selected colour on a hidden spot to see how it will look over the original finish. To prepare the surface, make sure that the finish is clean and has had all wax and polish removed. Then lightly sand with #180 or #220 sandpaper.
Then thaw meat, add seasoning and press into strips or sticks, and place on trays to dry. Depending on how thick meat is cut, how heavily dryer is loaded, and the humidity, jerky takes from 4 to 15 hours to dry.
Trending Now. Answers. Best Answer: I make beef jerky all the time but have a dehydrator that has a fan and that cooks it much quicker -- in about 3-4 hours for 4 trays. If your dehydrator is heat only, it can take up to 24 hours, and you need to keep rotating the trays so that the top tray is on the bottom, etc., where there is more heat.