Stripping the finish off furniture is a task that can rejuvenate an old or outdated piece and give it new life. Whether you want to paint, refinish, or stain your furniture, removing the old finish is an essential first step. However, traditional methods of stripping furniture typically involve harsh chemicals that can be dangerous to handle and release harmful fumes.
My husband and I have been considering ways to remove a super glossy finish off a dining table we scored on Facebook Marketplace for $45! I believe the leaf insert can extend this table to sit 8 people. But for now, this table has tons of scratches on it, so the plan is to strip the finish off of the table, sand it down, and paint it a nice matte black.
In this blog post, I’ll share how to strip finish off furniture without hard chemicals, and let you know how one method worked for us.
First, let’s look at how the process usually goes with traditional chemical stripper:
Step 1: Choose the right tools
Before you begin stripping the finish off your furniture, it’s essential to have the right tools. Here are some of the essential tools you will need:
- Chemical stripper – A chemical stripper is a liquid that dissolves the finish on your furniture. You can find chemical strippers at most hardware stores.
- Gloves – Chemical strippers can be harsh on the skin, so it’s essential to wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Eye protection – Chemical strippers can splash or get into your eyes, so it’s important to wear eye protection.
- Sandpaper – Sandpaper will be needed to smooth out the wood after the finish has been removed.
- Scraper – A scraper will be needed to scrape off the finish once it has been dissolved.
- Rags – You will need rags to wipe off the dissolved finish.
Step 2: Prepare the work area
Stripping furniture can be a messy process, so it’s important to prepare the work area. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your work area:
- Cover the floor – Cover the floor with a drop cloth or old newspapers to protect it from splatters or spills.
- Ventilate the area – Chemical strippers give off fumes, so it’s essential to ventilate the area by opening windows and doors or using a fan.
- Work in a well-lit area – Stripping furniture requires precision, so it’s important to work in a well-lit area.
Step 3: Apply the stripper
Now that you have your tools and prepared your work area, it’s time to apply the stripper. Here are the steps to follow:
- Apply the stripper – Apply the stripper to a small section of the furniture using a brush. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wait for the stripper to work – The stripper needs time to work, so it’s essential to wait for it to dissolve the finish. The amount of time needed will depend on the type of stripper and the type of finish.
- Scrape off the finish – Once the stripper has dissolved the finish, use a scraper to remove it. Be careful not to damage the wood underneath.
- Wipe off the dissolved finish – Use a rag to wipe off the dissolved finish.
- Repeat – Repeat the process until all of the finish has been removed.
Step 4: Sand the furniture
Once all of the finish has been removed, it’s time to sand the furniture. Sanding will smooth out the wood and prepare it for a new finish. Here are the steps to follow:
- Start with a coarse sandpaper – Start with a coarse sandpaper, such as 80 grit, to remove any rough spots.
- Move to a finer sandpaper – Move to a finer sandpaper, such as 120 grit, to smooth out the wood.
- Finish with a very fine sandpaper – Finish with a very fine sandpaper, such as 220 grit, to give the wood a smooth finish.
- Wipe down the furniture – Use a damp rag to wipe down the furniture and remove any sawdust.
If you don’t have a room that has adequate ventilation for this traditional method of stripping furniture finish, there are several ways to strip furniture without using harsh chemicals. Let’s explore some of the most effective ways to strip finish off furniture safely and naturally.
Option 1: Heat Gun Method
One of the most effective ways to strip furniture without harsh chemicals is by using a heat gun. A heat gun is a device that blows hot air, which can be used to soften and loosen the old finish on furniture. This method is ideal for removing paint or varnish from flat surfaces.
To use a heat gun, hold it approximately 2-3 inches away from the surface of the furniture and move it back and forth in a sweeping motion. Be careful not to hold the gun in one place for too long, as this can scorch the wood. Once the finish starts to soften and bubble, use a scraper or putty knife to remove it gently. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat and from any sharp edges.
Option 2: Sanding Method
Another effective way to strip furniture without harsh chemicals is by sanding. This method is ideal for removing a clear coat or a very thin layer of finish.
Start by using a coarse-grit sandpaper, such as 60-grit, to remove the finish. Work in the direction of the grain, applying even pressure as you sand. Once the finish has been removed, switch to a finer-grit sandpaper, such as 120-grit, to smooth out any rough patches. Be sure to sand the entire surface evenly to avoid creating uneven spots.
Option 3: Citrus Stripper
If you prefer a more natural approach to stripping furniture, citrus stripper is an excellent option. Citrus stripper is a natural solvent made from citrus peels that can dissolve and remove old finishes from furniture.
To use citrus stripper, apply a generous amount to the surface of the furniture using a brush or rag. Allow the stripper to sit on the surface for approximately 30 minutes, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Once the finish has been softened, use a scraper or putty knife to remove it gently. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the solvent.
Option 4: Baking Soda Method
The baking soda method is an excellent natural option for stripping furniture. This method works by creating a paste that can be applied to the surface of the furniture to dissolve and remove the old finish.
To make a baking soda paste, mix equal parts of baking soda and water until a thick paste forms. Apply the paste to the surface of the furniture, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Allow the paste to sit for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until it starts to dry. Once the paste has dried, use a scraper or putty knife to remove it gently. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges.
Option 5: Vinegar Method
Vinegar is another natural option for stripping furniture. Vinegar is acidic, which makes it an excellent solvent for removing old finishes from furniture.
To use vinegar, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the surface of the furniture and allow it to sit for approximately 15-20 minutes. Once the finish has been softened, use a scraper or putty knife to remove it gently. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from any sharp edges.
The Method We Used: Citrus Stripper
We decided to try a type of citrus stripper we found at Home Depot, but you can also find it on Amazon HERE. We actually used the spray version of this product because we thought it would be less messy . . . more on that below.
First, we cleaned that table with simply soap and water, making sure to remove dust and grime.
Next, we applied the citrus stripper to the table, and one can was plenty to cover the table, with lots left over. One the main tabletop, I only let the product sit for 30 minutes. When I went back to scrape using a putty knife, I was a bit disappointed. Some of the varnish wasn’t coming away to easily or at all. However, on the leaf part of the table, I let the product sit for several hours, and when I stripped it off with my putty knife, it came off so easily! It was really a breeze.
I decided to sand the table a bit using 80-grit sandpaper to help pull up any remaining varnish on the larger tabletop.
The hardest part of the process was definitely working in the sides of the table where there are plenty of routed edges and grooves. The product is quite gunky, and got stuck in the grooves a lot. I had to use a couple of different sizes of wire brushes, as well as water to help get the gunky product out completely.
Finally, I wiped everything down with paper towels and Simple Green cleanser.
Here’s how it turned out!
Now it is ready for paint, and I can’t wait to have it in my kitchen so we can turn our dining room into a small study/ parlor.
What methods have you used to strip finish off wood furniture? How did they turn out? Let me know in the comments!