It is a little messier and does smell, so make sure you have proper ventilation but it works much better then acrylic and won't peel as long as you properly treat the surface before painting.

Putting down a sealer first creates a nice, even surface for the stain.

I would start with a vinegar wash (1/2 water and 1/2 white vinegar) on all the hard surfaces.

Luckily, I had my Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (greatest investment in a comp ever IMO) and I wrote up the contract, had them sign and emailed them a copy immediately. 

This will save you time rather than scraping and will give you a much better prepped surface for  the new. 

However two of our early projects involved the navigation of 3D environments {they were all wireframe or semi-opaque surfaces in those days (late 80's, early 90's) as the hardware horsepower was not there to overlay onto a generated video stream or a live feed} one being ocean floor mapping data and the second remote operation of robotics within the reactor chambers in nuclear power plants.

There seem to be some decent deals on the surface, but I do not know how good (or bad) the various neighborhoods are.

I do have to warn you that the tape doesn't work great on dirty or uneven surfaces.

I always have a heavy hand on the staining to make dark floors that cover up any imperfections and gloss up the wood surface to protect it....just have them put down another thick coat of stain (or two).

Despite what it may seem on the surface, a well selected 2nd mortgage with a performing first is a wonderful asset.