Problem: Stripping furniture can be messy and tedious. Heat guns work well, but they can scorch wood. Sandpaper can be dangerous if you're removing lead-based paint.
Solution: Although liquid or gel paint strippers can be messy, they're very effective. Many liquid and gel paint strippers are environmentally friendly and produce no toxic fumes.
* Whenever you strip furniture, wear protective gear including goggles, gloves and a long-sleeve shirt. If your paint stripper produces hazardous fumes, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area to reduce your exposure.
* Solvent-based strippers are faster, but they're more toxic and flammable; non-solvent-based strippers are slower but safer.
- Apply the stripping agent in one direction and leave it on for the time period specified in the directions. Brushing or wiping in the other direction could prematurely dry out the agent. You should notice the paint begin to bubble as the stripping agent does its work.
- Use a putty knife or scraper to remove loosened paint. You might want to use an old toothbrush to remove paint from hard-to-reach areas.
- Use an abrasive pad with warm soapy water to remove the remaining paint residue.
Notes on stripping furniture
- Non-flammable strippers may contain methyline chloride, which can slightly darken wood. If this happens, use oxalic acid to bring the wood back to its original luster.
- Always follow the directions on the package.
- The moisture involved in the stripping process will raise the grain of the wood.
- Sand rough areas down with a fine-grain sandpaper, and remove any dust with a tack-cloth.
- To clean up non-flammable liquid or gel strippers, simply collect the residue, spread it on a newspaper to dry, and throw it away.
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