How to Strip Paint From Wood

Apply Paint Stripper

First, apply the paint stripper according to the manufacturer's directions. Most products will advise you to brush on the stripper in a very thick coat using brushstrokes in one direction. Remember, the thinner the layer, the less effective the stripper will work. Don't skimp on this step.

If you are using an environmentally-friendly stripper that isn't as potent, or you have a ton of layers of paint to strip, wrap the entire piece in plastic wrap after the first is coat is applied. Then, wait 15-24 hours for the stripper to start peeling back the paint. We started to see results in under 20 minutes. 

Wait for Paint to Bubble

You'll know the first layer of paint is ready to be stripped once you start to see it bubble. If you have plastic wrap over your wood, slowly peel back a corner to check.

Whatever you do, don't leave the wood too long with the stripper and paint on it. If the stripper and paint dry, they can harden back into the wood and become harder to remove. You want the stripper to still be wet to the touch when you start scraping.

Scrape With Metal Putty Knife

Carefully start scraping back layers of paint using a metal putty knife. Be careful not to be too aggressive here because you could gouge the wood. In most cases, not all the paint comes up with the first pass, and that's okay. Don't force it. Just scrape back whatever paint comes up easily. 

Reapply Stripper as Necessary

You might need to add and scrape off three to four coats of stripper before all the paint is removed. A lot will depend on how many layers of paint are on the wood as well as the type of paint and stripper used.

Clean With Mineral Spirits

Once you've gotten as much paint off as you can, clean up the remaining stripper using mineral spirits and a cloth. Some environmentally-friendly strippers will tell you to use water instead. Follow the manufacturer's directions, but keep in mind that water can open up the grain of the wood.

Use Steel Wool on Stubborn Spots

After we cleaned up the majority of the stripper with the mineral spirits and cloth, we opted to go back in with a fine piece of steel wool that was also dunked in mineral spirits. This step helped lift more paint and stain than the cloth alone. 

Prep Wood for Refinishing

Once you get off as much paint as possible, it's time to prep the wood for refinishing. We opted to give the wood a final rub down with some paint thinner. Once it was dry, we gave the wood a light sanding to smooth the edges, and then it was ready to be refinished and given an entirely new look.