Don't try this

What not to do and why
Eight things not to try on your own:
Leather-topped tables and desks, or any furniture with a leather surface. The harsh chemicals that are used in today's furniture strippers can do several awful things to leather. They can discolor it or, worse, spread the leather's pigment into the surrounding wood; they can dry it out, making it crack; and they can destroy the glue beneath it, causing it to peal then shrink. All will make it impossible for you to salvage the leather on your own.
Anything of value, monetary or sentimental. Very simply, if you aren't familiar with the process of refinishing, don't start with the good stuff.
Anything that is manufactured from particle board or veneer. The veneer may peel, which is not a real problem to reglue; but you might get stripping chemicals in the particle board, which swells whenever it comes near anything wet. If that happens the veneer won't fit anymore. When you ruin the glue that holds the particles together, forget it.
Anything antique. An antique with a cracked finish might look somewhat shabby, but if the piece could be 100 years old or more, you are better off just getting used to its look. If you remove the finish, you might change the hue of the wood and remove the natural patina that the piece has acquired through the years. There is a lot more value and historical significance to an old piece that is in its original condition, especially if it was handmade.
Stenciled or hand-decorated. It's OK to remove the jungle animals your ten-year-old painted all over his or her bureau, but call in an expert if the painting or decoration looks old.
Anything ornate. Furniture with frilly wood trim may seem like fair game, but it's nearly impossible to get it cleanly stripped and keep your regular job, too. Remember, if you don't get all the stripper off, the finish will turn gummy, and you'll have to do it all over again. Give a fancy piece a good cleaning, and see if you can live with it.
Any furniture that doesn't really need it. You know the old household rule - if it isn't broken don't fix it.
Anything you are not absolutely, 100 percent sure you can find time to complete. The key to doing your own work is taking your time and doing a good job. (The pros don't rush, and they make a living doing this stuff.) Work slowly, finish each step, and move on. A partially stripped piece that sits for months (or years) in the basement or garage is not a happy sight to anyone.