How to Strip Paint From Wood: 3 Ways to Strip Paint From Wood

It's common to discover a beautiful piece of furniture covered over with multiple layers of paint. Those layers are likely to bubble, blister, crack, and chip away over time. With the proper preparation, tools, and materials—and a little elbow grease—paint stripping can return woodwork to its natural glory.

You may want to remove layers of old paint before repainting furniture. Another critical reason to remove old paint is that it may contain lead; exposure to lead paint can be dangerous. If you're not sure whether or not the paint you want to remove has lead, test a small area with a DIY lead test kit from your local hardware or paint store. If the paint is lead-laden, strip it using chemical paint strippers or a heat gun to ensure that you're not releasing harmful lead particles into the air.

You can strip paint from wood using solvents, sanders, or a heat gun. Consider the surface of the wood and the layers of paint to determine which method works best:

1. 1. Solvents: Solvents, also known as chemical paint strippers, are an excellent choice for removing old finishes from surfaces with lots of nooks and crannies where sanding is not an option. Solvents are available in liquid, paste, or gel form. When removing paint with a solvent, it's best to work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Using a paintbrush, brush a thick coat of the solvent over the entire surface. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to keep the solvent from drying out and allow it to sit per the solvent's instructions. The paint will begin to bubble and peel away from the surface. Use a plastic scraper to remove the old paint.
2. 2. Sander: Sanding away old paint is an effective way to refinish flat surfaces. To start, use a power sander equipped with coarse-grit sandpaper. Brush dust away as you work. Once the majority of the paint has been sanded away, and the grain of the wood has been revealed, use medium-grit sandpaper. Finally, finish the job with fine-grit sandpaper to make the surface smooth and ready for refinishing.
3. 3. Heat: A heat gun is an excellent option for removing paint. It's not as messy as sanding or solvents and won't create harsh fumes. However, it's not likely to remove multiple, thick layers of paint. You can use heat to get a head start on removing numerous paint layers, then follow up by sanding or using a solvent. To remove paint with a heat gun, set it to the lowest setting, hold it at a considerable distance from the painted surface, and move in a circular motion. The paint may peel up on its own, but you may need to scrape it away with a putty knife.

Consider these paint removal tips before starting your DIY project:

1. 1. Test for lead. Use a DIY lead test kit to determine if the paint contains lead. If it does, be sure to use chemical peelers or a heat gun to avoid releasing chemicals into the air when removing.
2. 2. Expose a small area of the surface before committing. Before you commit to refinishing your wood furniture or trim, you'll want to discover whether or not the grain of the wood is worth exposing. Use a paint scraper to expose a small, inconspicuous spot. If you scrape through all the layers of paint to reveal a layer of wood varnish, the odds are high that the wood is worth refinishing.
3. 3. Wear the proper safety gear. Whichever method you decide to use—sanding, scraping, or solvents—it's essential to always wear safety glasses, a respirator, and gloves. If you're using chemical paint remover, wear rubber or latex gloves. Otherwise, a pair of regular work gloves will suffice.
4. 4. Prep your work area. Whether you're working on a removable item, such as a door, window, or piece of furniture, be sure to lay a plastic tarp or drop cloth underneath the item to protect surfaces from dust and solvents.
5. 5. Avoid gouges while scraping. A putty knife will help you remove​​ paint from wood surfaces, but improper use can lead to gouging. Avoid damaging your surface by applying even pressure to the putty knife, and consider using a plastic scraper over a metal one.
6. 6. Clean up. When using chemical wood strippers, clean the surface with mineral spirits after you've scraped away the old paint. Apply mineral spirits to a clean rag and wipe over the entire surface. Avoid cleaning up with water, as it can penetrate the wood and cause damage. Finally, remove tough spots by applying mineral spirits to steel wool and gently rubbing areas in a circular motion.

Get the MasterClass Annual Membership for exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Kelly Wearstler, Ron Finley, Bobbi Brown, RuPaul, and more.