Stripping furniture

Two paint removers are available: solvent- and water-based. Solvent-based removers dissolve a variety of finishes faster and in greater depth than water-based removers, but emit toxic fumes. A water-based remover is as effective and less dangerous, but is slower - a matter of a few hours. It raises the grain, which means you have to sand the surfaces after stripping. Both removers are available in gel, spray or liquid form. The gel adheres better on vertical surfaces (e.g.: table legs). The spray is faster to apply but less precise.
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Security rules
1. Mask surfaces
2. Apply the remover
3. Strip surfaces
4. Remove all finish and remover
5. Repair
6. Bleach the furniture
7. Stain the wood
8. Prepare the furniture for finishing
9. Apply the top coat

Security rules

Wear a respirator to protect yourself against toxic fumes, and chemical-resistant gloves made of butyl or neoprene, as well as safety glasses and old clothing. To avoid spreading toxic fumes in your home, try to work in a well ventilated room or even better, work outside. Make sure you have water near you to quickly rinse off any remover that might get on your skin or in your eyes. Don't smoke near your working area because stripping products are flammable. Dry your rags before bringing them to a toxic waste recycling centre.

1. Mask surfaces

Start by covering the surfaces you don't want to strip with masking paper. Then remove drawers, doors, hardware and other accessories. Work one surface at a time so your remover doesn't dry before you've stripped it.

2. Apply the remover

Pour a small amount of remover in a plastic container. Use a natural bristle brush and apply the remover in the direction of the grain in as few strokes as possible. Let the remover penetrate. If the first coat dries too quickly, apply another.
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