Chemical Strippers vs Heat Gun - Furniture Refinishing

Which stripper and stripper method is best? Stripping Paint, Stain and Varnish from wood. Easily remove paint, old stain & varnish. Step by step instructions on stripping paint & varnish. In this video I cover the first step in the refinishing process. I review the materials you should have on hand before you start, the basic rules of working with both a heat gun and chemical stripper, important safety precautions and a myriad of tips to make your wood stripping experience go faster and smoother.
Visit my website to download my Woodworkers Sandpaper Grit Selection Chart: http://paulsdiy.solutions/furniture-refinishing-removing-old-paint-varnish/
WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE ON HAND TO GET STARTED:
Chemical stripper or a Heat Gun
Glass or metal bowl (not aluminum)
Cheapo Applicator Brush
Metal Scrapper
Scrub Brush with stiff bristles
Stiff Tooth Brush
Rubber Gloves
Catch surface with a flat edge (not aluminum)
Synthetic scrubbie pad
Lacquer Thinner or Mineral Spirits (Lacquer Thinner works 10 times better)
Tarp, plastic sheet or cardboard as a surface protector
Respirator (not a dust mask) or an electric fan with fresh air source
Garbage Can with a disposal plastic garbage pail bag
Safety Glasses
RULES:
RULE #1 – Proper ventilation, covered skin and protective eyewear
RULE #2 – Apply chemical stripper in a thick layer, in one direction only, similar to icing a cake
RULE #3 – Once applied leave it alone. It forms an air-tight bond enhancing its chemical actions
RULE #4 – Follow the manufacturers recommendation for reaction time and ambient air temperature
RULE #5 – The top coat should come off easy. Do not scrap or force removal
RULE #6 – Reapply a second and third coat, if needed
RULE #7 – For stubborn or on raised, carved or curved areas use a stiff bristled scrub brush
RULE #8 – To avoid resistance to staining or clear coating rinse project well with Lacquer Thinner
RULE #9 - Let DRY FOR 7-10 DAYS before the next step - SANDING
TIPS:
Splashes happen, if chemical stripper comes in contact with any body surface immediately flush with tap water.
It’s best to work outdoors. If this is not an option use a fan forcing vapors away from you through an open window. If indoors use a quality respirator approved for vapors. DUST MASKS DO NOT QUALIFY!!
A dull metal or plastic scrapper works best and prevents accidently gouging surfaces.
I do not recommend some of the new strippers that can be rinsed in water. Water and wood don’t do well together. Mineral spirits and lacquer thinners evaporate almost immediately and do not penetrate deep into the wood. Lacquer thinner works 10 times faster than mineral spirits.
Use throw away brushes for applying chemical strippers.
Be aware while Heat Guns are more eco-friendly but they are slow and tedious on flat surfaces and extremely difficult to use on raised, carved and rounded surfaces.
Check your local laws for proper waste disposal.
Some level of sanding will be required after stripping. Sanding is done in steps and most finishers sand to 180 or 220 GRIT.
Sand paper is measured in grits.
40-80 grit is COARSE (only used to level an uneven surface or remove old finishes)
120-180 grit is MEDIUM (start here with new wood)
220-300 grit is FINE (I typically finish my sanding with a 220 grit)
Above #400 grit is EXTRA FINE (High grits like these are used for polishing)
To download a free PDF version of my Stripper Tips, Rules and Paraphernalia Cheat Sheets visit my website at:
www.paulsDIY.solutions

I have a complete Wood Finishing and Refinishing Series:

Chemical Strippers vs Heat Gun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB6ig5n_oEs&t=3s

Sanding Efficiently
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx6KEShDpjg&t=25s

Choosing the Right Grade Sandpaper for Your Woodworking Project
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbqg9XflK5w&t=65s

Blotch-Free Wood Stain Application Technique
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM4i28QNrik&t=25s

Bubble Free Polyurethane Application Technique
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_GWXcydu5k&t=25s

Fixing Polyurethane Bubble, Puddles, Runs and Brush Marks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P0JjpV-9O4&t=25s

Видео Chemical Strippers vs Heat Gun - Furniture Refinishing канала paulsDIYsolutions