How to Strip Furniture Before Refinishing

Stripping furniture is the essential first step in any refinishing project. Removing the old finish — whether it's paint, varnish, lacquer, or stain — gives you a clean slate to work with and ensures your new finish adheres properly and looks its best. Here's everything you need to know.

What You'll Need

• Chemical stripper: Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
• Sandpaper: Atosun 45PCS Sandpaper Set
• Sanding sponges: Romeda 8-Pack Sanding Sponge
• Putty knife: Rerdeim 5-Piece Putty Knife Set
• Drop cloth: GREEN LIFESTYLE Canvas Drop Cloth
• Tack cloth: Dura-Gold Pure Gold Tack Cloth, 12-Pack

Why Stripping Matters

Applying a new finish over an old one rarely works well. The old finish can be incompatible with the new product, causing peeling, bubbling, or uneven color. Stripping down to bare wood gives you the best possible foundation for a beautiful, long-lasting result.

Method 1: Chemical Stripping (Recommended)

Chemical stripping is the most effective method for removing thick or multiple layers of finish, especially paint or varnish.

1. Protect your workspace. Lay down a canvas drop cloth and wear gloves and eye protection.
2. Apply Citristrip. Use an old brush to apply a thick, even coat of Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel to the surface. Don't brush it out too thin — a thick coat works better.
3. Wait. Let the stripper work for 30 minutes to several hours. For thick paint, cover with plastic wrap to keep it moist and active longer. You'll know it's ready when the finish looks wrinkled or bubbled.
4. Scrape. Use a plastic scraper or a putty knife to remove the softened finish. Work with the grain. For curved or carved areas, use a brass brush, toothbrush, or wooden skewer.
5. Clean up. Wipe the surface with mineral spirits or water (check your stripper's instructions) to remove residue. Let dry completely.

Method 2: Sanding

Sanding is best for thin finishes or when you want to avoid chemicals. It's more labor-intensive but gives you excellent control.

1. Start with 60 or 80-grit sandpaper to cut through the finish quickly.
2. Use sanding sponges for curved surfaces and details.
3. Progress to 120-grit once the finish is removed, then 220-grit to smooth the bare wood.
4. Always sand with the grain to avoid cross-grain scratches.

Method 3: Heat Gun

A heat gun softens paint and varnish so it can be scraped off. It's effective for thick paint on flat surfaces but requires care to avoid scorching the wood.

1. Hold the heat gun 2–3 inches from the surface and move it slowly until the finish softens.
2. Immediately scrape with a putty knife while the finish is still soft.
3. Work in small sections. Don't overheat — scorched wood is difficult to fix.

After Stripping: Final Prep

After stripping by any method, do a final light sand with 220-grit to smooth the surface and open the wood grain for better stain absorption. Wipe thoroughly with a tack cloth before applying any new finish.

Tips for Success

• Always work in a well-ventilated area when using chemical strippers.
• Citristrip is one of the safest strippers available — it's low-odor and water-cleanup friendly.
• For multiple layers of paint, you may need to apply stripper twice.
• Don't rush the chemical stripper — letting it work longer means less scraping effort.
• Dispose of stripped finish residue properly — don't pour it down the drain.