Sometimes sanding isn’t enough and you need a paint stripper to take off thick old finishes. This guide walks you through stripping wood furniture the right way. Learn how to choose a good furniture-grade stripper (and why newer environmentally safe strippers might require more patience). It details prepping your work area with drop cloths and gloves, applying the gel or liquid stripper generously, and waiting for the old paint or varnish to bubble up. Then comes the satisfying part: scraping off gunk with a putty knife, and using steel wool for carved areas. Finally, find out how to clean away residue with mineral spirits so you’re left with clean, bare wood. Refinishing prep made easy! Click for the full stripping tutorial and save yourself hours of sanding.
