How do I gently strip the paint from this embossed chest?

Polly Johnson
by Polly Johnson
  4 answers
  • Janice Janice on Jan 15, 2019

    I suggest Citri-Strip paint remover. Apply with a brush and then cover with saran wrap or a plastic bag so so the remover can work protected from air. Test a small area to see if paint is easily removed, if not, let the stripper work for longer. After you've done this you can clean all the stripper and paint away with a clean cloth moistened with clear water. Your project will be awesome!

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    • Janice Janice on Jan 15, 2019

      Hi Polly, that will be a wonderful project and I'm sure it will be a wonderful piece of your grandson's history. The beauty of Citri-Strip is that it isn't terribly smelly like some paint strippers. I hope you'll share your project on Hometalk. Many of us would be interested.

  • Wally01 Wally01 on Jan 15, 2019

    My husband and I refinished two trunks, a small camel-back and a larger steamer trunk. We used regular paint stripper on a small area on the backside close to the bottom in case that was the wrong choice. We had no one to ask, and it was before the internet was available. This is a good place to start: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/396457573417628694/ .

  • William William on Jan 15, 2019

    I agree. Citrisrtip stripper.

  • Cindy Cindy on Jan 15, 2019

    Hi Polly. I'm Cindy. I agree with William. Citristrip Paint Stripper is the best product for this job. I recommend that you detach all the hardware and put it in a crock pot with water. Set it on low for over night. Then take it out and scrub it with an old toothbrush. Works great. Good luck Polly.