How to strip paint from wood - Upcycle your furniture in 4 easy steps

If you’re wondering how to strip paint from wood, you’ve come to the right place. We love to share easy DIY projects, and what could be easier than upcycling old furniture? 

Of course, we know there are so many reasons why you might want to strip paint from wood. Maybe you accidentally painted your wardrobe doors the wrong shade of grey (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), maybe you’re looking to switch up the colour of your front door, or maybe you’ve got the ultimate upcycled furniture idea, and you just can’t wait to get started.

Whatever the case, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to be a DIY expert to strip paint from wood. You just need a few tools, a little time, and some good ol’ elbow grease. 

How to strip paint from wood

Before we start, stripping paint from wood using paint stripper can be hazardous. So, it’s always best to work in a larger, well-ventilated area and wear a mask, gloves, and eye goggles if you can. And remember to cover any expensive furniture or furnishings that could be damaged in the process! Now, let’s get going…

What you’ll need

• Paint stripper - like this Home Strip Paint Stripper from B&Q
• Paint roller or paintbrush - like this Fit For The Job 7-Piece Roller Set from Amazon
• Paint scraper  - like this GoodHome 4" Heavy Duty Stripping Knife from B&Q
• Sugar soap - like this Bartoline Flask Sugar Soap Concentrate from Amazon

Step-by-step

1. Inspect the wood

Although you may have the urge to strip paint from wood and get your upcycling juices flowing as soon as possible, it’s important to inspect the wood before stretching your DIY fingers.

In some cases, it’s not worth stripping paint from wood that is rotten, damaged, or cracked, as the item may not be fit for a practical purpose. And by checking this before you get started, you can save yourself some serious time and paint problems.

During this inspection, you should also keep an eye out for any rogue nails or screws and remove them - without compromising the structural integrity of the structure, of course.

While you can also cover door handles or knobs with tape, you might want to remove these before stripping the paint, too. 

2. Apply the paint stripper

When you’re certain that stripping paint from wood will be worth your while, apply a liberal layer of paint stripper to the wood using a roller or brush. Make sure that you cover all areas of the paint, including any nooks and crannies. You may need to use smaller brushes for this.

Although the paint stripper gets to work instantly, you’ll need to wait around 30 minutes before you start to see real change. You may notice the paint starting to peel away from the wood or maybe even bubble on the surface. 

If you are trying to remove multiple layers of stubborn paint, though, you may need to repeat this process a few times to get the desired result. 

3. Scrape away the loose paint

Once the paint stripper has worked its magic and the paint has loosened, you can then go in and scrape it away from the wood. 

It’s best practice to do this with a paint scraper, but you may find that it’s possible to lift away any small little nooks and crannies with wire wool or with a cloth you have lying around. 

If the paint stripper has worked as intended, this process should be extremely easy. If you find the paint hasn’t come loose from the wood, apply another layer of paint stripper.

4. Clean the wood

Paint stripper is extremely strong, and the chemicals in this product can be extremely damaging to wood if it’s left on there. Because of this, you should give your wood a good clean.

‘Once you have removed the paint, dust away the excess with a brush and give it a good clean with sugar soap - this step is crucial as you don’t want this to get in the paint when completing your upcycling with the final coat of paint,’ says Emma Bestley, Creative Director and Co-Founder of YesColours. 

Alternatively, you could grab a clean cloth and soak it in warm, soapy water. Then, wipe it over the wood to remove any remaining paint stripper. 

If you wanted to, you could also sand the wood after you’ve stripped the paint. But, of course, this all depends on what you intend to do next. If you plan to repaint the wood, sanding is essential.

In fact, interior and product designer Siobhan Murphy suggests using spray paint during your upcycling project. ‘Rather than using traditional paint out of a tin, opt for spray paint which is cost-effective and creates a more refined and professional finish. Before spraying, ensure all surfaces are covered to avoid any product transfer,’ she says.

Alternative ways to strip paint from wood

Although paint stripper is readily available and arguably the easiest product to use when trying to strip paint from wood, it’s not the only option. If you’re looking for a cleaner, more natural option, these could work for you instead:

Use vinegar: Vinegar has become a popular cleaning product, but it can also be used to strip paint. It’s not as strong as a paint stripper, so it may take a few coats and some extra scraping on your part, but it’s certainly an option.

Use a heat gun: It’s possible to strip paint from wood by melting it, and a heat gun is the tool you need to do that. If you hold a heat gun at a 45-degree angle to the area you’re trying to strip, you should be able to loosen it. Of course, this is a dangerous option, so you need to be careful. 

Use sandpaper: Another possible option is using sandpaper to strip paint from wood. ‘Sanding is the easiest and can be done by hand or with a tool depending on the size of the area,’ says Sophie from Zhoosh Paints. ‘For heavy paint stripping, a coarser sandpaper with 40-60 grit works well, then for smoothing or removing smaller imperfections, use an 80-120 grit sandpaper. Get a final smooth finish on your wood with 360-600 grit. Work slowly and never press too hard.’

FAQs