How to Remove Paint Using Methylene Chloride

Place layers of old newspapers under your work area to catch drips and stripped paint.

Apply a thick, even coat of paint stripper to the painted surface, using a paintbrush. Brush only in one direction and coat no more of the surface than you can easily strip within 10 minutes. When in doubt, be conservative; it’s better to remove the paint in small sections than to let a large area dry before you have a chance to strip it. Allow the paint stripper to attack the paint for the length of time specified by the manufacturer. Paint strippers containing methylene chloride typically need about 20 minutes to work.

Rub a metal blade or scraper carefully against the paint to test the effectiveness of the paint stripper. If the paint comes up, revealing the wood underneath, the surface is ready to be scraped.

Scrape the paint away with a metal paint scraper or putty knife. Push the scraper away from you, following the grain and taking care not to scratch or gouge the wood. For round wood pieces, such as chair legs, remove the paint with steel wool or a scouring pad.

Scrub away stubborn paint residue with steel wool or a scouring pad. Rinse away chemical residue according to the manufacturer’s instructions; some brands can be washed away with water while others require the use of a specific solvent. Read and follow all instructions carefully. Allow the wood to dry thoroughly after rinsing.

Sand the wood if necessary.