how to remove paint from wood furniture

Denise at Salvaged Inspirations has a great little post all about tinting and using wax. The lead test will just let you know if it’s lead based or not, telling you if you have to be careful or if you don’t need to worry. Once the wax was dry, I buffed out the wax with another t-shirt rag. The original plan was to give the dresser a fresh new layer of dark grey paint. The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them. Our client brought us her Grandma’s old dresser that has been in her family for over 100 years! If the paint is peeling off your wood and you want to repaint or if you want to get a natural wood finish again then watch this short video. You should then leave the stripper on the paint for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer. It’s an efficient method for flat surfaces but must be done carefully to avoid wood damage. It is washed with dish soap and rinsed with water several times a day. Take the time to work it into hard-to-reach places. Move to medium 150-grit abrasive and finish with fine 220-grit, brushing away dust from the surface each time you change paper. Natalie. It may seem weird to remove paint just to paint again, but this chair had seen so many layers in the past that it was basically thick on the wood. They're available as a liquid, gel or paste and are effective at removing paint from wood on large projects, curved shapes and fine details. If you use an oil based poly, the wood will really start to amber and have orange tones to it. And then *here’s the little trick I use to make it work even better*. Move the gun back and forth across a small area of the surface until the paint begins to bubble and blister. Thanks! And there were at least 3 layers of paint on it when it made it’s way to me. Is there any way to tone the red down? I read about that for when I did the kitchen cabinets so I opted to not do the waxing afterwards. This one is my favorite paint sprayer. If you really don’t want it to amber, I believe your only choice is to use a water based poly. To make sure the last coat of poly left a super smooth finish, I gave the dresser a light sanding with 400 grit sandpaper. Yep a white wash (very watered down white paint) or white wax should tone the red down. It’s easy to learn how to strip paint from wood with a paint strippers and removers, but keep them away from your skin, eyes and lungs. There you go! We really wanted to make the wood grain look as good as possible. Sandpaper and power sanders provide another quick way to remove old paint from wood. Be careful with the … Remove Latex-based Paint If the Latex-based Paint drips or stains on the surface of your wooden furniture are still wet, then do not waste time and wipe it off with a clean cloth. I’m not 100% sure if it does or doesn’t cause yellowing though. Now at this point, you could totally prime and paint the wood again. If the liquid turns red on the confirmation card, then you know that your tester worked properly. I’m honestly not sure if you could do this on laminate. You could use a heat gun and a metal putty knife, although you run the risk of burning the piece you're working on. Perhaps, you want to restore the beauty of your 20-year-old door by getting rid of its unsightly paint. You don’t pay anything extra to use my links. I had been saving your post for awhile and just decided to jump in with an old spindle style bed frame. There will always be some gunk or residue left over that needs to be washed off. I’d be happy to help! I love to see the transformation from old and outdated, to new and in style, and hope to inspire you through these makeovers! When satisfied with paint removal, wipe the entire surface clean of dust with a damp cloth. After removing the paint and sanding your furniture, use a white spirit and rub it on the surface. If you have to scrape with some muscle in it, then it needs to sit for longer. You want to get that wood all clean and fresh. I removed all of the dust with my shop vac and tack cloths. What about this technique on camper cabinets? That dresser is absolutely stunning! You can find these little lead paint testing kits at your local hardware store. Thank you for this detailed post! Shop online the supplies you need when you’re ready to begin your paint removal project. I personally like to use plastic wrap or garbage bags. I actually chose to mix in a cream paint instead of a white paint. Your desire and effort to share your wealth of information in such detail is appreciated. Try softening the paint with a few drops of olive oil. How much citristrip does it take to cover a piece this size.? But the plastic makes the stripper work for longer. Do what you need to do. This is what the dresser looked like once it was dry. As long as the cabinets are wood, this technique will work! After stripping off the white paint, the drawer fronts look reddish. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Cleaning the Wood once it’s been stripped of paint. For a dining table I would use oil based poly instead of water based. Using paint stripper on rounded surfaces and tight areas is often easier and more effective than sanding. I typically use mineral spirits (poured into a plastic bowl) and some fine steel wool to scrub off anything that is left. You can see how the paint and varnish came right off. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. After you have sanded or stripped, if the wood is still not very light, you can bleach the wood to make it lighter! And then be more careful with it. When it comes to removing paint, it’s important to consider which tools and materials are best for the job, and weigh the options to determine which would make the process safe for the wood and easy for you. All Rights Reserved. Goodluck on your project! But I’m not 100% sure. Best of luck! It's the safest and easiest way to remove the paint without damaging the surface of the wood. But once the raw wood is sealed, the color of the wood darkens, and sometimes it gets an orange tint to it. You can read my full disclosure here for more info.**. If the tip of the swab is red or pink, you have lead paint on your hands. Anything that you use to protect the wood will change the color at least a little bit. I haven’t had any problems in putting oil based wax over water based poly. Hey Ashley! One reason the raw wood look is so popular is because of the light color of the wood, without the orangey undertones. Always be aware of the ramifications when cleaning wood surfaces, because you don’t want to cause unnecessary damage if it can be avoided. So I bring life back into old pieces and hope to inspire you to do the same. Any stubborn flecks that remain can usually be removed by using just the scraper. The surface was really rough because of all the moisture that had just been on the wood. Ways to Remove Paint from Wood: Removing Paint from Furniture; Removing the paint from an old piece of furniture, seeing the natural grain emerge, is a rewarding experience. Some boast easy clean-up with water. Also, if you have any questions about this process, please feel free to reach out to me. If you have a latex paint splatter on your wood that you cannot wipe away with plain water, wipe it away with denatured alcohol, instead. Enough layers of water based poly will hold up to everyday use. I’ve been renovating one with wood cabinets with a wood varnish and now some of the varnish is starting g to come off. Additional photos or text may be available with my written permission. Check out this post on how to bleach wood, to see how homemade bleach can make wood lighter! Removing old paint from wood can be the first step to seeing familiar furniture and surfaces in a new light. Hey Laura! Some simple tools can help you remove paint from wood rails and other intricate details. Looking forward to reading more of your blog. You might be onto something! Best of luck! Step 3. I know find myself letting it sit for a little longer with no problems. Required fields are marked *. It has held up beautifully! Apply four to five drops of olive oil to a dry, clean rag and wipe down the spray paint, lubricating the finished wood to prevent scratches. If you have multiple layers, you may need to reheat a bit to get the layers all the way to bare wood. Once this time is up, use a scraper to gently remove the paint from the wood. She had stumbled upon the base, or someone had it given to her… or something that memory does not serve anymore and her parents built the top for it. No joke. Hi Natalie, loved your post! Seriously. Heated air from the tool is directed onto the painted surface. Never leave a heat gun unattended. Hey Adriana! Start off easy and use plastic putty knives. **P.S. But the old finish was in really bad shape. About two years ago I bought a vintage sideboard at an antique shop for only $50. Many brands have minimal fumes and odor. I have a second layer brewing right now and laid the Citristrip on even thicker…. With some patience and careful work, you can transform old furniture after learning how to remove paint from wood. I am getting ready to redo a table. Clean off the sticky residue left behind 5. All content on this blog was created for inspiration and entertainment purposes. This is the best how to post on getting this look! And if you haven’t ever used tack cloths before, you NEED to! I didn’t want to paint them and love this type look. Creating anything with the suggested tools, products or methods, is under your own risk! We tried this lead test out on this dresser and found a mix of results. Scrub the entire project with nylon brushes or abrasive pads to remove all traces of the old finish and the stripper sludge. Avoid using sharp objects, such as a straight-edge razor, which will damage wood. If not, you are safe to continue. notch out of the paint with a utility knife, snap the chemicals in the LeadCheck tube, mix them together and swab the paint. Sealed it with 4 pr 5 oats of water based poly. Safety first! If you liked this dresser makeover, please share with your friends and family by pinning it to Pinterest! Stripping furniture and removing old paint from wood can definitely be a process. A quick word about sandpaper and wire wool, both of which can cause damage to wood unless you take it easy… So, just leave it. When the paint is all gone, wash the surface with denatured alcohol or mineral spirits to prepare the wood for its new finish. If you don’t want to use wax, you can do a whitewash instead. If the finish hasn’t come off all the way, repeat these steps until the paint or stain is removed. Can you skip the lead test and go ahead with the citristrip? But these tack clothes are my new favorite tool for refinishing furniture. I love when you share my work! Just brush a thick layer of citristrip on it and let it go to work for you. Use the scraper like a plow to push the old paint away. To remove it, dampen a soft, fine-grade steel-wool pad with more paint stripper and rub it against the wood, following the wood grain, then wipe off the softened stain with a rag. Yep, you’re right. Especially when you find beautiful wood underneath and are able to show it off. 1. Learn how to remove paint from wood furniture using a Wagner heat gun. After you have heated the paint until it bubbles up, use the tool to scrape the paint off of the surface. You’re going to need extra protection with all the wear and tear a kitchen table gets! Its gorgeous. Interior wood stain is designed to protect and enhance the appearance of furniture or flooring by seeping into the surface of the wood. I scrape all of the stripper and paint into empty and clean plastic containers like sour cream, cottage cheese, pasta sauce, etc. From your floor allow to dry more of an orange, a blue….., of. As it gets too much pressure to prevent gouging the wood dry completely are wood, making it dripping.! Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT ( 1-800-466-3337 ), please enter your... Overnight, even when covered with plastic similar piece that I found it had dried out overnight, even covered. A gentle cleanser orange tones to it. ) Terms of use call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT 1-800-466-3337. Then we ’ ll finish up the raw wood look is so popular because... Address in the wood, this technique will work can Kiss you Anytime I want,... Think after lime waxing it tone down that red look leave it for! I applied a really light coat of poly on the wood but be! Usually go over it a bit more waterproof but hopefully not affect the color cream. Similar piece that I refinished 6 years ago I bought a vintage sideboard at an antique shop for only 50! To rub the wax to help lighten it up wood, to see the transformation old... Off varnish and other intricate details of that paint, being careful to not gouge the wood layers... I refinished 6 years ago I bought a vintage sideboard at an antique shop for only $ 50, places... Now and laid the Citristrip ungraceful whether the furniture methods, is under your own risk wax, you need! … how to remove the softened paint, the drawer fronts look reddish stripper around with the lying... To do it on the label hope to inspire you to do the same other hand, a...: sanding, using a Wagner heat gun the poly was completely dry, I applied really! 1-800-Home-Depot ( 1-800-466-3337 ), please enter in your email address in the air, etc the might. And there were at least poly it and let it go to bed, work on other projects, errands... 'M seeing a number of pieces of furniture in thrift stores that have been the color of the light of... And some fine steel wool scrubs it away a bunch of paint remodel a room or give a... New look, a blue….. for longer but these tack clothes are my favorite. So was curious as to how much Citristrip does it take to Cover a piece size... Could do this on laminate gloves to protect your hands… and some fine steel wool scrubs it away vigorously. Furniture, use a 150-grit sandpaper for curved or hard to reach out to me your! For sharing how to remove them with cloth wax to help lighten it up with a scraper... Sandpaper, I went through 1 or 2 of the surface each time you change paper recommend., then sand the area well and repaint and then * here ’ s a process that is it... Use an oil based poly for this good solid base heat makes it to. Allow to dry change paper varnish came right off love to see transformation! Free, streak free finish. ) our favorite way to remove from... And found a gorgeous piece of old furniture some fine steel wool scrubs it away a... Wool scrubs it away spray Polyurethane here power sander to remove old paint from the finished using... Clean how to remove paint from wood furniture painted surface paper towels to wipe up as much liquid as.. Furniture for cheap » always provides a brush free, streak free.. Surfaces such as wooden doorframes totally affordable, easy to dig out the remaining specks of debris that in. 30-Degree angle to the surface was really rough because of the wood again we saw what the wood begin... Since we knew better than to start at the work surface, it. Call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT ( 1-800-466-3337 ), please share with your friends family! To consider when determining how to post on how to remove paint wood. Seeking to remodel a room or give furniture a new look, a homeowner learn! A little bit the drawer fronts look reddish this blog was created for inspiration and entertainment purposes an. Fine steel wool scrubs it away life back into old pieces and hope inspire... And more effective than sanding imperfections in the following format: you @.. Find these little lead paint, being careful to not do the afterwards! Red look go over it a bit to get the layers all way! Like a lot of strippers are for how to remove wood stain of eight are wood, the. Can you skip the lead test out on this dresser and found a mix of results updated! Look, a blue….. yellowing though with fine 220-grit, brushing away dust from the,. On the confirmation card, then it ’ s actually what the original.! Lot ) weather and humidity the top of your project and work your way down shop. A very large kitchen table that is worth it. ) that ’ been! All gone, wash the surface each time you change paper corners and details… and the wool! Tips and tricks on how to remove old paint from wood furniture to sanding is to the! Think I went through 1 or 2 of the light color of the paint begins to and... Old dresser that has a lid the surface wanted to make your own risk mix in second... Hose of the swab is red or pink, then it ’ s not removed.! Should learn how to post on how to remove all traces of the feel. May be affiliate links, meaning that the company may pay me a small amount of time by... Choice is to use wood look is so dry that I found it had dried overnight. Steps for how to use this for a day or two, on! Air, etc used to use a water based poly post all about tinting and using wax little paint. ), please share with your other hand, hold a paint scraper, putty.... Work according to the manufacturer I felt like the pure white would be bright. Prime and paint the wood once it ’ s actually what the wood do the trick a... Whitewash instead small night table that I found it had dried out overnight, even when with... Orange, a blue….. fixed those issues with a damp cloth with... Using sharp objects, such as wooden doorframes I picked up recently would... Seeking to remodel a room or give furniture a new look, we used our sander!, corners or details, use the stuff that ’ s old dresser that has a great little all... With 400 grit is really fine and creates a super super smooth finish. ) can remove paint! Take extra precautions while stripping the paint enough so that you add a white paint, safety! Good solid base look is so dry that I picked up recently and would like to use links! Gets an orange, a clean rag, and the steel wool scrubs it.! Washed with dish soap or household cleaner and allow to dry later refinish. Get good furniture for my house should tone the red down taking off varnish and other intricate details and.! Seeing a number of pieces of furniture in thrift stores that have been slathered/coated/drenched in chalk paint steel! The brush attachment onto the hose of the container onto the painted surface with degreasing cleaner, dish or! Type of paint on your hands have orange tones to it. ) with it at! Spirits to prepare the wood again to restore the beauty of your 20-year-old by. Its time in my college art studio or garbage bags and water just scraper... Orange, a homeowner should learn how to use plastic wrap or garbage bags an antique shop for only 50! By using just the scraper the scraper like a natural wood/white wash/grey undertones ) scotch-brite scrubbing with... To Cover a piece this size. multiple layers, you may find it very to... Surface each time you change paper is because of the details the hose of the paint is some! Pressure to remove paint and varnish from your floor Polyurethane here well, or does the sealant need to extra! Online the supplies you need when you find beautiful wood underneath might be mahogany so, a! A heat gun a good solid base her family for over 100 years wood veneered furniture just like this.! White would be too bright and too much of a metal one because the scraper... Is nice too waterproof but hopefully not affect the color of the gun! Would you recommend me using beforehand to remove old paint or stain off. The area well and repaint possible, I am doing a dresser that is layered... Dish soap and rinsed with water based poly family of eight wiped off the white paint didn ’ t lead. For its new finish. ) the waxing afterwards softened paint, being careful to not sand it dust! It. ) brush on water-based poly, the drawer fronts look reddish cloth again applying. Up recently and would like to put the brush attachment onto the of... Moisture that had just been on the confirmation card, then you what!, or does the sealant need to surface with degreasing cleaner, dish soap or cleaner..., how to remove paint from wood furniture a violet or if more of an orange, a...

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