How to Strip Paint from Furniture

Stripping paint from furniture is one of the most rewarding DIY refinishing projects — revealing beautiful wood grain beneath layers of old paint can completely transform a piece. Whether you're working on a dresser, table, chair, or cabinet, the process is the same: chemical stripper, scrape, clean, and sand. Here's how to do it right.

Tools You'll Need

• Citristrip paint stripping gel — the best stripper for furniture; low fume, safe for indoor use, works on multiple layers
• Paint scraper set — multiple widths for flat surfaces and tight corners
• 220-grit sanding sponge — for final smoothing after stripping
• Sandpaper assortment — for progressive sanding after stripping
• Respirator mask — for working with chemical strippers
• Chemical resistant gloves
• Canvas drop cloth — to protect the floor

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Work in a well-ventilated area — outdoors or in a garage with the door open is ideal. Lay a canvas drop cloth under the furniture to catch drips. Put on your respirator and gloves before opening the stripper.

Step 2: Apply Citristrip Generously

Brush a thick coat of Citristrip over all painted surfaces. Apply at least 1/8 inch thick — thicker is better. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent the stripper from drying out. Citristrip can be left on for up to 24 hours, which is ideal for furniture with multiple layers of old paint.

Step 3: Wait for the Paint to Bubble

Check after 30 minutes. The paint will begin to bubble and wrinkle as the stripper penetrates. For multiple layers of old paint, leave for several hours or overnight for best results. The longer you leave it, the more paint it removes in one application.

Step 4: Scrape Off the Paint

Use a paint scraper to remove the softened paint, working with the wood grain. Use a narrow scraper for tight corners and carved details. For very detailed areas, use a wooden skewer, old toothbrush, or dental pick to remove paint from crevices.

Step 5: Clean the Surface

Wipe down the stripped surface with mineral spirits or the neutralizer recommended by Citristrip to remove all stripper residue. Allow to dry completely — at least 2–4 hours.

Step 6: Sand Smooth

Sand the stripped wood starting with 120-grit from the sandpaper assortment, then progress to 180 and 220-grit for a smooth finish. Always sand with the grain. Finish with a 220-grit sanding sponge for the final pass.

Step 7: Apply Your New Finish

Once the wood is smooth and dust-free, apply your chosen finish — stain, paint, varnish, or oil. The stripped and sanded wood will absorb finish evenly for a beautiful result.

Stripping furniture with Citristrip is a satisfying project that reveals the natural beauty of the wood beneath. Take your time with the scraping and sanding stages, and the result will be a piece that looks completely transformed.