stripping paint

Helpful tips
Stripping paint from furniture is a simple process but an awful job. Follow this step-by-step procedure for best results.
Reliable strippers contain methylene chloride, methanol and toluene. You'll have to apply a serious coat of this goopy stuff to the piece, so get a good supply. Make sure you wear heavy-duty rubber gloves, protect your eyes and skin, and have plenty of ventilation, particularly near the floor, as these fumes are heavier than air. It's OK to work outdoors but not in the direct sunlight. (Note: A piece that's been stripped with methylene chloride must dry for 24 hours before refinishing.)
Coat a manageable portion of the furniture with the solvent. Let it sit for about 30 to 60 minutes - or wrap the piece in plastic and let it sit overnight.
Scrape off the goo with a piece of wood or a putty knife to remove the top layers of paint. (You may need to switch to steel wool to get all the paint off.) Use care, because the wood fibers may be damp and easy to damage. It's better to go over it two or three times rather than trying to get everything off in one sweep.
Once you have stripped all the paint, wash the piece with alcohol, or use a mixture of TSP and water, to clean off all the stripper. Otherwise, the residue in the stripper may affect the new finish, and you will have to strip it all over again.
After it is thoroughly dry, lightly sand the piece, and then wipe it down with a tack cloth or vacuum it to remove the dust. (Do not sand or grind painted surfaces, as the paint may contain lead.)
Apply a stain, if desired, in an even coat, and allow it to penetrate the wood before wiping off the excess with a clean rag. If you plan to repaint the piece, use a wood primer.
When the stain is dry, apply the new finish. Or brush on new paint, using a high-quality brush with a lot of "spirit ends" for best coverage and low streaking.
Follow all the directions on the stripper can regarding disposal.