
If you want to restore wood to its natural state before adding a new finish, few methods are more effective than using a chemical paint stripper. It removes the paint without damaging the wood like abrasive sanding or scraping can.
To use a paint stripper on wood, apply a thick coat to the surface, and let it work for the recommended time. Test if the paint is soft enough to come off with a scraper, and if it is, gently scrape all the paint off, then lightly sand the surface clean.
Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 4-6 hours for a small piece of furniture Project cost: $53 to $283 |
The Advantages of Chemical Paint Stripper
You can generally paint right over an old coat of paint, and the finish will come out fine. But if you want a finish that’s better than fine, or if the old paint is flaking or bubbling, it needs to come off. And that’s where chemical paint stripper is at its best.
Paint stripper breaks down the chemical bonds within the paint, weakening its adhesion to the surface and allowing you to easily scrape or wipe off the paint. You’ll still need to sand the surface to get any paint spots the stripper didn’t, but the stripper will handle 90 percent of the work, and quickly.
What You’ll Need

Material | Estimated Cost | |
Chemical-resistant gloves | $8 to $12 | |
Safety goggles | $5 to $30 | |
Respirator or dust mask | $8 to $60 | |
6 mil plastic sheeting | $10 to $30 | |
Paint stripper | $20 to $80 | |
Old or disposable paint brush | $0 to $5 | |
Putty knife or paint scraper | $2 to $46 | |
Whatever you need to neutralize the paint stripper (check the manual) | $0 to $20 | |
Total | $53 to $283 |
Prep Yourself and Work Area
Protect your skin with long sleeves and long pants. Open the windows to let in some air.
You also don’t want your project to accidentally turn your floor into a modern art piece. Lay the 6 mil plastic sheeting on the floor and surroundings to protect them from paint.
Billy Sovine of Sovine Trading Company, a handyman service in Prattville, Ala., says it’s important to clean the surface before stripping paint.
“A thorough cleaning with warm, soapy water is recommended to eliminate dirt, grease, and dust,” he says. “Stubborn residues may necessitate a degreaser or trisodium phosphate (TSP).”
Be sure the wood is completely dry before you strip it.
Step 1: Apply Paint Stripper
Using an old or disposable paint brush, carefully apply a thick coat of paint-stripping gel or liquid. It’s important that the layer is thick, or it could dry out before it takes effect.
Step 2: Use Plastic (optional)
Placing plastic wrap over the solvent-coated surface can prevent evaporation and allow the product to work better. This will make the stripping process easier and more efficient.
Step 3: Wait
Wait for the gel or liquid to work. Generally, it takes up to 30 minutes, but it may be longer. Check your product’s instructions for the specific time you should wait. If any areas thin out, reapply a thicker layer in those spots.
Your wood type, as well as your paint type, plays a role in how long it takes to strip it.
“Hardwoods (oak, maple, walnut) are more challenging; softwoods (pine, cedar, fir) are easier but require careful stripper application,” says Sovine. “Darker or oil-based stains are harder to remove than lighter or water-based ones, regardless of wood type.”
Step 4: Test and Scrape

At this stage, the paint should be bubbly and look like it’s just sitting atop the surface. Test it.
Take a putty knife or a paint scraper and gently scrape a small section of the surface. If the paint easily comes off, it’s ready to be stripped. If not, wait a bit longer and test again.
Use the putty knife or paint scraper to gently remove the softened paint, working in small sections at a time. Be careful not to scratch the surface. For intricate areas, you can use a toothpick.
Step 5: Neutralize
“Neutralization is crucial to prevent residue interference with the final finish,” Sovine stresses. What is neutralization? In short, it’s a substance that halts the active ingredients in your stripper.
That prepares the surface for the next coat of paint. “Always use the manufacturer’s recommended neutralizer (often water, mineral spirits, or a specific solution).”
Step 6: Sand down

Sovine sands down the wood to smooth the surface, remove paint residue, and prepare it for refinishing. “Start with a medium grit (120) and progress to a finer grit (220),” he advises. “Avoid excessive sanding to prevent wood damage.”
Make sure you sand down the surface after you use neutralizer, and not before.
Make sure the surface is completely dry before you begin sanding; don’t sand wet wood. It’s ideal to wait at least an hour for the wood to dry.
More Resources
Here are other related articles you might find helpful:
- How to Remove Paint from Concrete
- How to Strip Stain from Wood
- How to Get Paint Off Glass
Renew the Look of Your Wood
Stripping old paint off wood is the best way to prep the surface for a new, clean, perfect finish. But using gel wood strippers can be messy and time-consuming. If you’d not interested in investing that much time and effort, let a Home Gnome pro handle the job.
Main Image Credit: ded / Adobe Stock / License