7 Ways to Remove Paint from Wooden Objects and Finish Them

2025 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-24 13:29

We know that removing paint is hard work. In this article, we will show you five methods for removing paint from wood and finishing it with other paint or lacquer. Try them and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Steps

Method 1 of 7: Get started

Step 1. First make sure the wood is not damp

If it is, then dry it with a cloth, a hair dryer, or even a heat gun kept at a safe distance to avoid burns or fires. Always wear work gloves to avoid blisters and splinters, a mask and all necessary protection.

Method 2 of 7: Sand

Step 1. Get enough two grit sandpaper:

a thicker one for the initial part of the work (remove unwanted paint) and a finer one (to finish sanding and cleaning the wood underneath). Use the thicker one first and then the thin one. Don't put too much energy into it, the friction develops heat.

Step 2. You will do a better job with an electric sander

Getting sandpaper all over is a long and frustrating job because the paper will fill with paint in no time. It is best to use fine paper once the old paint is removed. Make sure you follow the grain of the wood otherwise you will scratch the surface of the wood and ruin the whole project.

Step 3. Once you have finished sanding and sanding, wipe off the remaining dust from the wood using a rag lightly soaked in paint remover, after which you can paint

Make sure the surface is smooth. If it is a small object, just brush or blow on it and if there is wood dust on the floor, sweep it away.

Method 3 of 7: Heat Gun

Step 1. This is a dangerous but easier method

You'll need a heat gun. When using it, always wear gloves, protective goggles and a mask, also make sure you have water near the wood you will be working on in case of sudden fires. Keep the heat gun 6 to 8 inches from the surface of the wood after turning it on.

Step 2. Heat small areas of the wood, but not too much, otherwise you will leave burn marks and damage the wood

Slowly move the gun along the surface, moving it from top to bottom and from side to side without stopping.

Step 3. The hot paint will begin to melt

At this point, use a spatula to remove it from the whole object. Remove it as soon as it starts to bubble and continue working like this all over the wood.

Step 4. Now you can put everything away and turn off the heat gun

Now comes the tricky part: sanding and smoothing as described above.

• If you start a flame, stay calm. It is normal for there to be little flames, but if a fire breaks out, pull the plugs, move the heat gun away and throw water on the fire.

  

  Step 5. Now you can proceed with the sanding

  Scratch the object with the sandpaper of the grain of your choice. The sandpaper will make the object smooth and will remove the paint that you were unable to remove with the heat and the spatula.

  Method 4 of 7: Chemical Stripper

  

  Step 1. If you are working on an uneven surface you can use a chemical stripper

  Choose the right type as these products vary depending on the purpose for which they are used. Read the instructions carefully before use: although the application procedure is basically the same for everyone, there may be different details. Always follow the instructions that come with the paint stripper.

  Liquid chemicals are typically sprayed on and used to clean coatings or a couple of coats

  

  Step 2. Shake the can containing the product and then pour the entire contents into an open container

  

  Step 3. Collect enough liquid with the brush to cover a good part of the surface with a few strokes

  You can also use the spray, but remember to spray from at least ten inches from the wood.

  

  Step 4. Use the brush to cover the entire object with liquid

  Swipe the paint remover in one direction, avoiding parts that have already been covered.

  

  Step 5. Let it act for a while (from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you put in)

  You will see that the paint has "softened".

  

  Step 6. Check that it worked

  Pass a scraper in a circular direction. If the paint comes off, then the paint stripper worked fine.

  

  Step 7. As soon as you feel it is soft enough, you can remove all the paint using a putty knife

  If you need to remove paint from a door, work on small sections until you have all the paint removed.

  

  Step 8. Next, sand the object with an electric sander (suitable for large and flat areas) or sand it by hand (for carved and more difficult areas)

  

  Step 9. Clean the surface of the wood with a cloth dipped in paint remover to remove any paint stripper residue

  Sand, smooth and paint as described.

  Method 5 of 7: Scraping

  

  Step 1. If you are dealing with thick or lumpy paint, then you can use a scraper

  

  Step 2. Sharpen the scraper by passing the blade against a metal surface, so that the tip becomes sharper, and pass it both ways

  Once sharpened, removing the paint will be easier.

  If it is still too hard, apply vinegar, water or liqueur. As you progress, you will notice that the scraper will need to be sharpened again

  

  Step 3. Remember to be very careful at this stage as the scraper could damage the wood

  This method is fine if the wood is polished or on hardwood floors.

  There may be surprises lurking when scraping paint from wood. The ideal would be to do it standing up and very calmly

  Method 6 of 7: Chemicals

  For the following steps you will always need to wear a protective mask and gloves to avoid accidents. Also wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt

  

  Step 1. Prepare the chemicals to be used to remove the paint and make sure there are no things getting in your way

  This method works best if you need to paint glossy wood.

  • You could try using a cleanser, flaxseed oil (boiled), acetone, and thinners. Remember that the latter are very strong. Also remember that cleansers should not come into contact with the skin as they can leave your hands dry, slippery or wrinkled. Always wash your hands after using them.

    

    Step 2. Apply the chemical to the paint using cotton

    Now you can remove the paint with a scraper or cloth.

    • ATTENTION:

      in case of intoxication, contact a doctor immediately or call the emergency room if the situation is serious. However, if you follow the precautions indicated, it is difficult for anything to happen. However, be very careful.

    

    Step 3. Once the paint is scraped off, wipe it with a clean cloth

    When you're done, put everything back in place to avoid accidents (think a child picking up a bottle of solvent). Don't forget to wash your hands!

    Method 7 of 7: Finishing the Wood

    

    Step 1. If you want to polish the wood, just cover it with a specific lacquer or polish

    

    Step 2. Don't wear too much

    Remember to fold three hands in the following order.

    

    Step 3. Pass a first layer

    

    Step 4. Sand the wood

    

    Step 5. Apply another layer of polish

    

    Step 6. Sand the wood with very fine-grained sandpaper

    

    Step 7. Apply the last layer of polish and do not sand anymore

    

    Step 8. If you want to paint the wood, apply the paint in one direction and wait until it is completely dry before passing another coat

    Choose the right paint and apply a protective layer if you wish.

    Advice

    • Better to use coarse sandpaper for sanding because it will do it faster, but if you want to get a smooth surface, a finer one is better.
    • Finally cover the wood with polish to make it shiny.
    • USA sanding blocks (you can find them in different grits in specialized shops) to sand in a lighter and more effective way
    • You can also use a blowtorch instead of the heat gun. It's faster, but be very careful to put out possible flare-ups right away.

    Warnings

    • Wear gloves and don't scratch too hard with the sandpaper. You risk getting blisters and ruining your job.
    • Covering something with polish will highlight any errors (remember to sand along with the grain of the wood).
    • Be very careful with the heat gun and everything else you use. Paints and solvents are flammable and don't forget the risk associated with electric shocks.