DIY Paint Removal

Sanding

• 1

  Sand wooden surfaces using a power hand-held sander--your elbows will thank you later. Use a coarse-grade sandpaper with your power sander to remove paint, varnish or other coatings from wood. This technique is great for resurfacing furniture.

• 2

  Use a gentle touch when working with a power sander. Too much pressure applied on the sander can remove more than just paint--it can strip down some of the wood as well. While this technique might make the process take a bit longer, you'll end up with a higher-quality result.

• 3

  Use coarse-grade sandpaper alone if you don't have a power sander, or if you're sanding an irregular area that prevents you from using a power sander. Wrap the sandpaper around a firm foam block--this gives you some structure for sanding, as well as the flexibility you might need to tackle irregular shapes and pieces. Items such as railings, chair backs or table legs all can be done by hand, using gentle, even strokes of the sandpaper, until all of the paint is removed.

• 4

  When you're done sanding, use a soft cloth or brush to eliminate loose bits of sanded paint from the item's surface.

Chemical Stripping

• 5

  Use chemicals to strip paint off a surface. Most of them work well on wood, although you should read the manufacturer's instructions before applying to metal or plastic surfaces. Typically, these products are applied by a brush to the surface, and then scraped off.

• 6

  Use safety precautions. Make sure you only use paint-stripping chemicals in a well-ventilated area. Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles to prevent injury to your eyes and skin.

• 7

  Apply the paint stripper to the surface, following the manufacturer's instructions. Leave on for the designated length of time, and then scrape off as directed using a plastic scraper.

• 8

  Dispose of scraped off paint properly--remember, it's mixed with chemicals once it comes off, so you can't just fling it into your yard or on the floor. Place all debris into a can for proper disposal, according to local waste removal regulations.

Heat Application

• 9

  Use heat to remove stubborn paint or varnish. This softens the paint and makes it easier to scrape off. Although you can sometimes use a hairdryer for this process, it will go much faster if you use a heat gun specifically designed for paint removal.

• 10

  Apply heat to a small area at a time. Use a metal or plastic scraper to lift the paint from the surface after it's been heated. Be sure you don't hold the heat in one area for too long, or you could burn the surface beneath the paint.

• 11

  Use a light sanding process to eliminate stubborn spots, if there are small areas you can't quite remove with the heat application.