How to Remove Varnish From a Wood Surface

Strip varnish and refinish most wood surfaces with a little work, some protective measures and paint remover. Enhance unsightly, faded wooden furniture, such as a table by cleaning it up ready for a fresh coat of varnish, adding value and design appeal. Years of wear and tear actually enhance an antique, however. Wooden antiques need special and delicate handling best left to a professional; removing old varnish from an antique might lower the quality, value and natural patina of old wood furnishings.

Tarp
80-grit sandpaper
180-grit sandpaper
Goggles
Rubber gloves
Environmentally safe paint remover
Plastic scraper
Burlap rag
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Lay a tarp over the floor area where you will be working. The tarp will protect the floor or ground from any damaging paint remover spills or drips. Work outdoors or open windows for ventilation.
- 2
  Scuff the wood surface for better adhesion of the paint remover, using 80-grit sandpaper.
- 3
  Put on the goggles and rubber gloves for protection from the paint remover. Apply the paint remover generously to the entire wood surface with the paintbrush. Allow the paint stripper to soak into the wood for the recommended length of time instructed on the can’s label.
- 4
  Remove the varnish from the wood by scraping with a plastic scraper and rubbing with a burlap sack rag. The scraper removes the bulk of the varnish; use the corner of a scraper to get into any grooves in the wood. The burlap sack rag helps to loosen varnish from the overall surface.
- 5
  Use 180-grit sandpaper to sand off any remaining varnish, once the wood surface is dry.
- 6
  Repeat the paint removal process if any stubborn varnish remains.

DIY: Refurbishing Wood

How to Attach Baseboard Molding

Woodworking