If you’ve ever stripped furniture, you know there’s no one magic tool that works for every project. The type of finish, the wood, and even the details of the piece all determine what tools and techniques will get the job done. Sometimes, removing a finish is a simple process, but other times, it takes multiple steps and multiple tools to get a piece down to bare wood.
After years of refinishing, I’ve learned that using the right combination of products and tools is the key to getting a clean, smooth surface. Here’s why you’ll never find just one tool that works for every refinishing job and what I recommend instead.
1. Different Finishes Require Different Removal Methods
Not all finishes are the same, so you can’t expect one tool to remove them all.
•Paint vs. Stain -Paint often needs a chemical stripper or heat gun, while stain can usually be removed with sanding.
•Thick Lacquer vs. Thin Shellac -Lacquer may need a scraper after stripping, while shellac dissolves easily with alcohol.
•Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Finishes - Some finishes resist certain strippers, requiring multiple approaches.
2. The Wood Type Makes a Difference
Not all woods can handle aggressive stripping methods.
•Softwoods (e.g., pine, cedar) -These are easily damaged by sanding or scraping too hard.
•Hardwoods (e.g., oak, mahogany, walnut)-These can handle more pressure but may absorb strippers differently.
3. Flat Surfaces vs. Detailed Areas
Stripping a flat tabletop is very different from working on intricate carvings.
Flat surfaces -Sanders and scrapers work well.
Carvings & Moldings - Need small scrapers, steel wool, or a good stripper to get into all the crevices.
4. Multiple Layers Require Multiple Steps
Ever stripped a piece and realized there’s another layer underneath? Yeah, me too.
If there’s old stain under paint, sanding alone won’t work you’ll need a chemical stripper first.
Thick paint or lacquer often needs a combination of chemical stripper, scrapers, and sanding.
5. Not All Strippers Are Created Equal
I’ve tried them all, and some are just a waste of time. My go-to stripper is this one from GreenEZ it never fails me. A quart is only $31, and you can use my discount code VINTAGEFINDS10 for savings!
Citrus-based strippers give you a gooey mess that’s impossible to clean.
6. Heat Guns, Chemical Strippers, and Sanding All Have Their Place
Each tool works best in different situations:
Heat guns - Great for thick, old paint but can scorch wood.
Chemical strippers -Best for multiple layers or tough finishes.
Sanding -Good for final clean-up but clogs easily if the finish is still gummy.
7. Some Finishes Soak Into the Wood
Finishes like Danish oil and tung oil don’t just sit on the surface they soak into the wood. That means you can’t just scrape them off; you’ll need sanding and sometimes a chemical treatment to remove them completely.
8. The Right Tools Make a Huge Difference
If you’re stripping furniture, having the right tools makes it so much easier. These are my go-to stripping tools:
My favorite scrapers, sanders, and refinishing tools
They help me tackle everything from stubborn paint to intricate carvings without damaging the wood.
9. Some Finishes Are Harder to Remove Than Others
Some finishes bond tightly to the wood, making removal a long process. Others flake off easily. You won’t know until you start so be prepared with multiple tools and methods.
10. Safety Matters
No matter what tools you use, always think about safety:
•Chemical strippers need proper ventilation.
•Sanding creates dust, so wear a mask or use a dust extractor.
•Heat guns can release fumes from old finishes.
Final Thoughts
Stripping furniture is never a one-size-fits-all process. Some projects are easy, while others require patience and multiple tools to get the job done right. That’s why I always recommend having a variety of tools on hand, from chemical strippers to scrapers and sanders.
Need the right tools for the job? Here are my recommendations:
… My favorite refinishing tools
… My go-to stripper (use VINTAGEFINDS10 for savings!)
Got a tricky finish to remove? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll help you figure it out!
2 comments
I struggle with molding and creases or detailed areas. I have a surf prep but even with the pad it takes off crisp edges instead of getting in the groove. It seems the best is using stripper in those areas but it seems to bleed out into the surrounding areas. Augh! Is it always this time consuming? Makes me consider painting instead of stripping!!
Thank you