How to Choose Chemical Strippers for Paint and Varnish
So, you’re ready to refinish your old, worn, and dull piece of wood furniture and bring the original beauty of the wood grain back to the surface.
If the furniture has existing lacquer, varnish or paint you want removed, you’ll need to understand the best option for removal. There are several ways to remove those layers. Chemical strippers are good for removing polyurethane (acrylic), varnish, and paint. Solvents are good for removing shellac and lacquer. And sometimes you just want to sweat it out, use a little elbow grease, and sand the age away!
To understand chemical strippers you’ll want to learn about all the options. Paint and varnish strippers are very effective and won’t harm wood. These fall into three categories. Each has distinct properties and application techniques which should be considered based on your needs. Is it a vertical surface? How sensitive are you to harsh, toxic chemicals? How many layers of paint are you trying to remove? How much time do you have?
Many chemical strippers contain caustic chemicals so wear your respirator mask, rubber gloves, and goggles. Although painting technology has improved slightly over the years, and for those more environmentally conscious or sensitive to harsh chemicals, water-based products are available.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Use your chip brush for application, have your fine steel wool or scraper handy, and work in a well-ventilated room or outside.
3 Categories of Chemical Strippers:
1. Methylene chloride strippers are very common chemical strippers and what was primarily available for decades. They are available as a thick semi-paste designed to cling to vertical surfaces as well as in liquid form which is useful with carvings or ornamentation. Both contain a wax component that slows evaporation allowing the chemicals to remain on the wood longer.
2. Furniture refinishers are a wax-free solution containing a blend of solvents such as lacquer thinner, denatured alcohol and mineral spirits—a good choice for removing varnishes like shellac and lacquer. Test a small area to determine whether a particular finish can be dissolved with furniture refinisher by rubbing a small area with a cotton ball soaked in solvent-based fingernail-polish remover. If the cotton ball turns brown, the finish is dissolving and is a good candidate for a furniture refinisher. Work in small sections at a time since there is no wax component preventing evaporation.
3. Safe strippers (like Citristrip) may be useful for those who are sensitive to harsh chemicals. Safe strippers contain fewer caustic ingredients, but they're generally more expensive and are much slower-acting. Some work best if you leave them overnight and may require additional coats before the paint is completely stripped. They are timely but more environmentally-friendly and safer for you. The techniques for using safe strippers are similar to those described above.
When choosing any chemical stripper, be sure to research your options. Consider the condition of the wood, your workspace, and the time it takes to fully accomplish your goal. If choosing a non-solvent solution, an additional tip is to ensure that the product stays wet for the full duration of the time on your piece. Many use large plastic garbage bags or saran wrap depending on the size of your project. and let it sit for longer than the manufacturer’s recommendation.
After stripping, the final step is to rinse the surface with mineral spirits or a paint stripper after wash. This is critical to avoid problems when sanding and staining. Some strippers allow for a water-rinse, but be cautious as water does absorb into the wood grain and will make it swell—causing a rougher surface that will need sanded down.
You are now ready to work on that beautiful wood grain and bring it back to its former glory. Or, re-paint. You will find no judgment on this end!
If you’re feeling extra creative, take a time-lapse right before you start removing the sludge. Good luck and have fun!
