Stripping Paint from Wood Surfaces

By Ellen Russell

What was once considered beautiful, fun, and attractive in a yesteryear paint color may now be a source of regret and disdain. Other times the paint is attractive, but peeling and worn. Stripping paint with a commercial stripper can restore a piece to near-original beauty, making way for a new, fresh surface ready for an attractive finish and revitalization.

Large, freely chipping and peeling paint should be removed to the best of your ability using a paint scraper. This gets excess paint out of the way, allowing strippers to work more effectively.

Before you begin stripping, be sure to read and follow all safety precautions included with the stripping chemical. Paint strippers are highly flammable, corrosive products. Work in very well ventilated areas, away from children and pets, and turn off all sources of flame and ignition.

Paint strippers are available in different formulations. Read stripper labels and consult store personnel for the best product for your application. Vertical walls and surfaces will require a heavy paint stripper that can adhere to the surface long enough to work. Polyurethanes require long-acting strippers such as semi-paste strippers.

1. Start your paint stripping project by removing all hardware from the surface. Clean paint-soiled hardware by soaking them in paint remover and wiping and scrubbing away softened paint.

2. Follow paint stripper directions for application instructions and wait times. Generally speaking, paint stripper should be applied in one direction (to avoid wiping off what has been applied) using a paint brush. Paint on a thick layer of paint stripper and wait the designated time as per chemical instructions (usually 15 minutes).

3. As the stripper works, the paint of the surface will lift and bubble, creating a softened, rubbery sludge. Scrape the softened paint with a putty knife or blunt paint scraper (a wooden scraper may be used as well). Choose a tool with rounded corners so as not to scratch into and mar the surface of the wood. Paint can be removed from bevels, cracks and details using a very stiff toothbrush, steel wool, skewer or pointed stick.

4. Depending on the thickness of the remaining paint on the wood, several applications of paint stripper may be necessary. Reapply as needed until all paint and dark areas are removed.

5. When all traces of paint have been removed, clean away the paint stripper residue. Wipe the wood with mineral spirits or paint thinner. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to remove the cleaner.

6. Allow wood to thoroughly dry for at least 24 hours before refinishing. Sand wood as desired after it has dried from the paint stripper and cleaners for a smooth surface ready for a new finish.

Though not excessively difficult, stripping paint from painted wood can be a time-consuming project. However, the resulting beauty of the newly cleaned wood surface is well worth the time and effort taken to restore your walls or furniture to their original state and renew them with a clean, intact, fresh stain or paint finish.