Removing Old Paint From Wood

By Brian (Guest Post)

There are generally two types of paint strippers, fast and flammable or slow and safe. This article will show you how to use both.

http://www.how2instructions.com/Hom ... ng/How_To_Strip_Paint_and_Stain.html

You can also scrape the paint off the surface if you don't have to worry about damaging the wood. You can always patch and paint if you do any damage scraping, good luck.

By

PICO

Try a product called "Circa 1850" works great, will take off all layers of paint, then just wipe with mild soap and water to clean the surface

By

Lorelei

For paint, I prefer to use the nonliquid gummy type that doesn't run and you just scrape it off after so many minutes. If there's a lot of paint thickness, you may have to repeat procedure.

I like the liquid remover for varnished finishes. Place a leg or part of the furniture piece in a large pan and you can reuse until all varnish is gone; then add new remover over the piece to clean it up good before wiping down.

The difference in the two types is shaking the can and you can tell the liquid is splashing while the gummy type doesn't.

WalMart also sells these two types. Use a steelwool pad after wood is wiped down and this will smooth the surface from where the wood raised a bit and helps to clean out any left over paint in wood grain. Then wipe down again with old tee shirt or flannel cloth to remove dust.
A fine grain sandpaper will help smooth, but stay with the grain; don't rub in opposite directions. Wipe with cloth before applying new finish.

By harry (Guest Post)

Go to a home center and buy a paint remover. There are several types all liquid. Some water soluable some not and follow direction on can. Be careful as some old paints may have lead in them although no lead has been put in paint manufactured in this country since 1978. Or you could just sand the wood wearing a dust mask so you don't breath in the dust.