I hate stripping furniture.  It’s messy, it’s time consuming, and I’d rather take power tools to the job and get it done.  But sometimes a piece has to be stripped, and so it’s good to know the best paint (and stain) stripper out there and how to use it.  I actually don’t think this was a topic I ever covered here on the blog or on YouTube, so it was time to tackle the issue.  

If you, like me aren’t a fan of stripping, check out this method for sanding and re-staining instead.  Or even this method of wood toning, it’s a trick you can often get away with. 

BUT, if it’s a job that has to be done, here’s how to do it…

This post contains affiliate links to the supplies and products I used to get the job done.  Purchasing from these links pays me a small commission.  To see my full disclosure policy, click here. 

This old desk needed some love, under all that old stain, and some paint (casualty of sitting in the garage a bit too long), I knew it was a beautiful piece with a lot of character.  So I gathered some supplies and got to work. 

Here’s what you’ll need 

Supplies:

• Stripper
• Gloves
• Chip Brush
• Plastic Scraper
• Metal Scraper
• Paper plate & other small container
• Krud Kutter
• Scotch Brite Pad
• 220 grit sandpaper
• Top Coat

Scrape off whatever you can with a paint scraper.  Sometimes old dried paint, glue, etc will come off with just a little scrape.  Then begin applying your stripper.  

This is called Soy Gel stripper and I think it’s the best paint stripper I ever used.  Not only is it a safer product to use than many chemical strippers out there, but it works really well and really fast.  It’s not very smelly, although good ventilation is never a bad idea.  If I have to strip something, this is my stripper of choice. 

Lay some newspaper down on the floor around you first. Apply a really good thick layer – no right or wrong here, just get it on there.  Also DO NOT use any kind of good brush here, a chip brush is all you need.  Use it and throw it away!

If you notice the stripper starting to dry too soon (before it’s had time to work) or if you need to walk away from your project for a while, lay some plastic wrap down over top of the stripper.  This will keep it from drying out and keep it in place for it to work. 

Let it sit, anywhere from 30 mins to a few hours depending on the temperature you are working in as well as how many layers the stripper is cutting through. You can test it from time to time to see if it’s working and ready to scrape.

Use your plastic scrapper first (then move to metal if you need a bit more action, but be careful not to gouge the wood) and begin scrapping off the stain, paint, varnish, all of it.  It’s gross, and messy.  Watch the video to see how this works…

Once you have gotten most of the finish (and stripper) off.  Begin cleaning it all up.  Use Krud Kutter and a Scotch-Brite pad to clean up all the remaining goo.  This will also take off a bit more color.  Finish it off with a paper towel wipe down, just keep wiping until it’s clean. 

I let this sit out in the sun for a few hours to really dry well.  It was amazing how light it was when all the stain, stripper and moisture was gone.  It sat for a night (or two) before I gave it a quick pass with 220 grit sandpaper and 2 coats of top coat.  

I cut the legs down to make this into a coffee table instead of a desk. I think this is a little more useful, but I love the character it still has as an old desk top. 

This stripped, raw wood finish is really popular right now, and I’ve gotta say, I love how this turned out.  It was so much prettier than I expected, and well worth the mess of the stripper!  

I still say avoid stripper at all cost, but if you have to use it, chose the best paint stripper and hope for a finish as pretty as this one! 

What do you think? Would you rather strip wood, or sand it?

Happy “un-painting”!
Jenni