In earlier parts of this series, we've provided a comprehensive list of essential tools for repairing various types of furniture, guided you through fixing broken pieces, removing stains and other discolouration, as well as restoring minor damage. Sometimes though, repairs just aren’t enough, and you need to go back to the raw wood and refinish.
Restoring wooden furniture to its natural beauty or preparing it for a new look can be a fulfilling project. One of the most critical steps in this process is stripping the piece of its original finish. Whether you’re refinishing an antique heirloom or giving a contemporary piece a fresh start, mastering the art of stripping wooden furniture is essential.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to effectively and safely remove the old finish from your wooden treasures, allowing them to shine once more.
Before diving into the stripping process, gather the necessary materials needed.
Safety Gear – I know we often roll our eyes with things like this, but speaking from experience, you must prioritise your safety by wearing safety goggles, a dust mask, and gloves to protect against chemical exposure and dust inhalation.
Paint Stripper – Choose an appropriate paint stripper suited for your project. Liquid and gel paint strippers are both viable options, but ensure they are safe for use on wood surfaces. We have a wide range available in the UK - sadly due to our rules & regulations, we don’t have as many as in America, and ours aren’t quite as effective either – but they still do the job. My current favourite is from Polyvine – relatively new to the market but effective on both paint and varnish.
Brushes and Scrapers - A variety of brushes and scrapers are essential for applying and removing the paint stripper effectively. Make sure they are specifically designed for use with paint strippers.
Drop Cloths - Lay down drop cloths, old newspapers or plastic sheeting to safeguard your work area and flooring from drips and spills… no matter how hard you try to avoid making a mess…. It’s inevitable!
Steel Wool or Wire Brushes - These tools are invaluable for tackling stubborn spots and cleaning the wood after stripping.
Mineral Spirits or Denatured Alcohol - Useful for cleaning any remaining residue on the wood surface.
Sandpaper - After stripping, sandpaper will help smooth the wood surface, preparing it for refinishing.
Steps to Strip Wooden Furniture
- Prepare Your Workspace and Yourself - Choose a well-ventilated area or work outdoors to minimise exposure to harmful fumes. Cover flooring and surfaces with plastic sheeting to protect against spills. Don your safety gear, including goggles, a dust mask, and gloves, to ensure your protection throughout the project.
- Test a Small Area - Before applying the paint stripper to the entire piece, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to confirm it won't damage the wood.
- Apply the Paint Stripper - Use a brush to apply an even layer of stripper to the furniture surface, following the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended drying time. You may need to do this a few times depending on the finish, thickness of the finish, temperature you’re working in etc, and some people find it beneficial to wrap the area with cling film – this is not something I do, but mainly because I get in such a pickle with the film, but also hate the idea of wasting so much plastic.
- Remove the Finish - After the stripper has softened the finish, gently scrape off the old finish using a scraper or wire brush. Always work in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the surface. You will see the varnish or paint softening as you watch it as it will seem to bubble… it is unlikely that you will remove all the paint or varnish in the first attempt, so carefully repeat until you are down to the bare wood.
- Clean the Wood - Once most of the finish is removed, clean the wood with mineral spirits or denatured alcohol to eliminate any remaining residue. Then, wipe the wood down with a damp cloth to rinse away any cleaning agents and allow it to dry completely. We always use TSP for this cleaning stage. Available from Thirteen Furniture.
- Final Sanding - After the wood is thoroughly dry, use sandpaper to smooth the surface. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually progress to finer grits for a polished finish.
- Finish and Protect - With the wood prepared, you can now apply your desired finish—be it paint, stain, or a clear sealant—to enhance and protect the surface. Don’t forget the insides too… you don’t want them looking shabby when you have put in so much effort on the outside – we always use wood balm handmade from HuntersMoon Workshop – not only does it nourish the wood, it also smells beautiful!
Tips and Warnings
Work Methodically - Take your time and work in small sections to ensure even stripping and minimise the risk of damage and avoid the stripper from drying out.
Proper Disposal - Dispose of paint strippers, rags, and brushes in accordance with local regulations to protect the environment.
Handle Antiques with Care - Be cautious with antiques and valuable pieces, as stripping may affect their value.
Stripping wooden furniture of its original finish is a pivotal step in the journey to restore or update your pieces. By following these steps and adhering to safety precautions, you’ll be well-equipped to breathe new life into your furniture and reveal its natural beauty. Embrace the transformation and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with your project!
As always, if you would like our help or feel the task is just too big a challenge for you and you would like a quote, please do not hesitate to get in touch.