Refinishing

You probably can't save the finish under the paint. I would use Citritrip to remove the finish and paint then refinish the wood.

I agree you probably can't remove the paint without also removing the finish. But you can always refinish once its all removed.

I agree... it is "ruined" from the original... but YOU CAN make it even better~! Here's what I did with a "found" coffee table:

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/furniture/1960s-coffee-table-into-2020-44255352

Yes, you'll have to sand it all off and refinish the whole thing again. But I bet you'll love it when you are done!!!

The paint and finish probably have bonded to some degree, which might be why you can't just remove the paint and have an untouched finish. You would have to strip the entire table(s) and re-finish. Citrastrip is non-toxic and should work well, I agree with GrandmashouseDIY on trying this in an inconspicuous spot.

here are a couple ideas to help with your project

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-off-furniture-ruining-finish-103833.html#:~:text=Try%20softening%20the%20paint%20with,with%20a%20plastic%20paint%20scraper.

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/21015504/stripping-painted-furniture

You could try citristrip and remove quickly. Another option is mineral spirits. However, most likely you will be removing part of the original finish as well.

I would use Citristrip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1i41px4X18

Hello Ironhorse68450, hope this helps,

Try softening the paint with a few drops of olive oil. Cover the paint with a cloth and let the oil soak in for about an hour. If the treatment works, you should be able to wipe off the paint with a rag or scrape it off with a plastic paint scraper. Test the finish before resorting to more drastic measures.

Hate strippers they are messy. I sand items. Oil may not be the best choice. It soaks into the wood grain and if you want to repaint or stain the stain will not soak in evenly and the paint may not stick. Never heard of removing paint with oil.

Paint thinner?

It would take EVERYTHING off...paint & varnish...If I can save the beautiful varnish, I will try!!..but..Thank You Morgan!