What is the absolute best paint stripper to use for furniture?

Terri D
by Terri D
  12 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 25, 2011
    By best..what do you mean......best for the environment, best for the furniture, best for removing paint? Over the years I have used all kinds of strippers, from the crazy toxic MEK types to the citrus based "green products". Each material has its own pros and cons, and they also are targeted for different...finishes. Water based paints and oil based paints and varnished each respond differently. The size and shape of the piece and its levels of "detail" can also influence what works better. A number of years ago I did a restoration on a 1860's Empire drop front desk that was entirely built from solid Mahogany and Walnut veneers. The old finish was Shellac...which can be reworked with simple Ethanol solvents... What are you wanting to strip...and what is the current finish?
  • Terri D Terri D on Jun 25, 2011
    I have just recently started refinishing furniture. So I guess, all of the above. I have one now that is good for the environment, but not real great at removing finishes (tried it with both paint and polyurethane). I guess I really need to know which stripper for both paint and varnishes.
  • SawHorse Design Build SawHorse Design Build on Jun 25, 2011
    Make sure that you do this with proper ventilation. One of my family members and one friend of mine died from over exposure to toxic solvents. Stripping furniture is a chore so I take them to get professionally dipped and stripped then I do the refinishing with non toxic products. Also be careful- the furniture many have lead in the finish if it is paint. Test for lead before sanding and breathing in this neurotoxin.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 26, 2011
    I've also had some good results with "heat guns". I borrowed one from a buddy years ago for a painted project, it is chemical free but can still be stinky when the paint heats up...Like Sawhorse said...good ventilation and a properly equipped respirator ( one with organic solvent cartridges ) a "dust mask" type device will do NOTHING to keep you from breathing these toxins.
  • Shane Tallant Shane Tallant on Jun 26, 2011
    Terri D- I found a great website that may help you out with your stripping. Ah hem...furniture stripping, of course. check this site out and let me know if it was of any help to you. http://www.refinishfurniture.com/strip.htm
  • Terri D Terri D on Jun 28, 2011
    Thanks everyone! Who knew there were so many options for stripping paint...not me! Thanks for the link to the "stripping" website, Shane...off to check it out!
  • Paint A Paint A on Nov 03, 2011
    What is the absolute best paint stripper to use for furniture? Hi Terri you can give Citristrip a try. The Citristrip 17 oz. Safer Paint and Varnish Stripper can be used on wood, metal and masonry surfaces to remove latex- and oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, enamel, shellac, acrylics and epoxy. The easy-to-use formula has a fresh orange scent for use indoor. Efficiently removes latex- and oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, enamel, polyurethane, shellac, acrylics and epoxy.Removes 7 layers of latex paint and multiple layers of oil-based coatings with 1 application • Also removes pigmented wood stains • Can be used on wood, metal and masonry surfaces • Low-odor aerosol formula has a fresh orange scent • Non-corrosive • Non-toxic formula • Biodegradable Good luck ,ThePaintAvenger
  • Terri D Terri D on Nov 03, 2011
    Thank you...I will definitely give this a try! Sounds like it will work on all types of finishes!
  • Eco-Strip Eco-Strip on Mar 07, 2012
    If you want to less risky than using a high heat gun, try an infrared low heat speedheater. Maybe a wood headed scraper rather than metal would be gentler on wood. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXQSN-UFpUo
  • James Norris James Norris on Sep 29, 2012
    I know nothing about paint stripper but you could try to talk to the guys from furniture in Gilbert. I would imagine that they could help you out with that. Sorry I am not of more help. Their contact information is on this site I believe. http://www.athomefurnishingsaz.com/
  • Paint-N-Plus Paint-N-Plus on Oct 04, 2012
    I once used a product called "Aircraft Stripper" This is some strong stuff.Please use in well ventilated area or use proper protection.Not sure were it come from,maybe Ben Moore.You could contact a local strip shop in town.They have vats they can just dip it.
  • Brooke Albrecht Brooke Albrecht on Jun 11, 2014
    Formby's~ my Grandma swears by it!!