Updated 2024 by Stephen Cochrane
One of the most common DIY projects in the painting world is taking a piece of wooden furniture that has been painted and restoring it to its former natural glory. Which means one of the common questions we hear as painters is “what is the best way to remove paint from wood?”. Sure, you’ve seen all the Reels about how easy it is to transform furniture – but what you don’t see is that stripping paint off wood is hard work, and easy to mess up. It comes down to the right method of stripping for the piece you want to work on. If it matters, don’t attempt to do it yourself, call in Perth’s most awarded renovation painters – we’re here to help.
Wood Stripping 101
- Choose a practice piece first. If you’ve never stripped paint off wood before choose a cheap and cheerful, small item to practice with. Spotted something nice, but not too nice on Marketplace? Perfect. Don’t start with great-grandma’s antiques.
- Stripping kitchen cabinets and other fittings? If you’re not restoring furniture, if you’re renovating your home and need to strip paint from kitchen cabinets, decks, balustrades, doors and window frames, seeking the advice of a professional painter first may save you a lot of wasted time and effort.
- It takes longer than you’d think. Depending on how you strip the paint, it may take a lot longer than you think. Yes, that woman on Insta did it in no time… that’s because her video editing skills are excellent. Sanding, especially is a long, methodical process if you want a great result. Choose a small item first. See if you’re really committed to a big project!
- Know your paint. Stripping paint from older furniture could mean multiple layers of paint, and some of those layers could contain lead or VOCs. The act of sanding down the layers creates airborne paint particles, which is the fastest way to inhale some pretty nasty chemicals. Safety first, use a mask.
- Fiddly bits are a pain! Sure, that decorative turning, the intricate carving, the tiny details that make the piece so delightful, those are going to be excruciating to strip if you’re using sandpaper. You will need to consider your method carefully. Again, start simple or you could find yourself accidentally stripping off features!
- Stain, veneer and patina. Stains and veneers are just layers applied to the wood that can be “stripped” in the same way you’re stripping your paint. But, if you’re upcycling a piece with a natural patina, step away and reconsider. A patina, unlike a stain or veneer, is the rich, natural colour of wood left uncoated for a long period. Stripping the natural patina off an antique piece of furniture will immediately devalue it significantly. If you don’t know if it’s a stain or a patina, then don’t touch it. Stick to modern pieces until you’re a master paint stripper!
- Know when to stop. It’s OK to decide that furniture restoration isn’t for you. All over Perth, garages and sheds are filled with half finished furniture restoration projects. If you’re working on a feature in your home, and you realise you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, stop. It’s better to concede defeat and call in professional painters than it is to do lasting damage to your home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stripping Paint Off Wood
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- Safety glasses, gloves and a P2 dust mask
- drop sheets or plastic to protect flooring
- Paint scraper or putty knife
- Sandpaper (80-120 grit) or an orbital sander
- Heat gun (for stubborn layers)
- Chemical paint stripper (widely available in Perth at Bunnings)
- Oil rags and a bucket of water
- Timber cleaner or methylated spirits for finishing
Step 1: Preparation
- Move furniture out of thew way and cover surfaces with drop sheets.
- Test a small area first to check how easily the paint will come off.
- Ensure the space is well ventilated – open doors and windows, work outdoors if possible
Step 2: Apply Your Chosen Method
- Chemical stripper: apply an even coat with a brush and allow it to soften the paint. Scrape gently with a putty knife when soft.
- Heat gun: Hold the gun 10-15cm from the surface, heating until the paint blister. Scrape off while warm.
- Sanding: Use coarse sandpapers or an orbital sander, gradually moving to finer grits to create a smoother finish.
Step 3: Remove Residue
- Wipe down the surface with a damp rag or methylated spirits to remove chemical or dust residue.
- Repeat the process if multiple layers of paint remain.
Step 4: Safety Check – Lead Paint
If your home was built before 1970 in Perth or elsewhere in WA, there’s a strong chance the homes paint contains lead. Always wear a proper dust mask, avoid dry sanding, and consult a licenses painter if you’re unsure. For more details, you can visit the WA Department of Health’s Lead Exposure Risk Reduction Page.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
- Once stripped, lightly sand the wood for an even surface.
- Apply oil, stain, or primer depending on your desired finish.
- Sealing the timber not only improves its appearances but also protects it for years to come.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives
For those who want a safer option, consider soy-based or citrus-based strippers (like Citristrip). These are lower in fumes and less harmful to the environment, while still effective for most household projects.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY paint stripping is possible, some jobs are best left to the experts – especially large surfaces, intricate trims or heritage timbers. At AJ Cochrane & sons, our Perth-based team can safely handle paint removal and refinishing for you. Contact us today for professional help.
Whatever your favoured method, removing paint from wood is a thankless job. The end result will come down to your skill, your patience, the state of the wood and quality of the tools you use. There is, however, nothing more satisfying than a beautifully restored piece of furniture, that you brought back to life by hand.
