How to Remove Old Paint From a Chair

Whether you are restoring the natural wood finish to your chair, or want to try out a faux finishing technique like wood washing, you will need to start with the task of removing the old paint. Getting the old paint off a chair is a messy job, but not a very difficult one, and is easily accomplished over a weekend. Work in an outdoor area free from wind and dust, and away from children or pet play areas.

Newspapers
Masking Tape
Painters plastic (cut piece of painting drop cloth or other)
Light- to heavy-grade sandpaper
Steel wool pad
Whisk broom, vacuum or other to clear sandpaper and paint dust
Liquid stripper
Disposable foam or other brush to apply liquid strip

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare your work area by laying down several layers of newspaper to protect the floor from chemicals. Give yourself a large space to work, laying the newspaper to at least the height of the chair you are working on. If the chair has an upholstered seat, or other area that you do not want to treat, remove it if possible or cover it well using masking tape and plastic sheeting. Make sure the chair is clean--free from any dirt or debris--and dry.
- 2
  
  Sweep away the dust.
  
  Smooth away any peeling, chipping or bubbling rough areas of paint using sandpaper. Sand lightly to avoid sanding the wood beneath. Use steel wool if needed. Vacuum or brush away all dust with a whisk broom or soft cloth and replace newspaper with new sheets to protect the floor.
- 3
  
  Wear disposable gloves.
  
  Put on gloves, mask and clothing to protect your skin and face from possible splashing. Set the chair on its side and spread a layer of liquid strip over areas not touching newspaper using a disposable foam brush or narrow paint brush. Let the liquid absorb for three hours or longer, according to manufacturer's instructions on the label
- 4
  Wipe away the liquid strip and dissolved paint using a rough cloth. Use rough towels and/or steel wool pads to remove. Wipe using medium pressure, taking care not to scratch the wood surface.
- 5
  Turn the chair over and repeat Steps 3 and 4 on the other side of the chair after removing the liquids. If areas of paint remain after treating the entire chair, also repeat the treatment in Steps 3 and 4, applying liquid strip to affected areas only
- 6
  Toss away all towels, newspaper, steel wool and brushes used. Clean the chair using wood cleaner to rinse away remaining chemicals from the chair.

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