Simple tips for knowing when you should use a paint stripper vs sanding for all your projects.
With the rise in popularity of DIY projects and home renovations, it's no surprise that many people are searching for the most effective method for removing old layers of paint. Two common methods include using paint stripper and sanding. But which approach is the best way and when?
In this article, we'll dive into the details of paint stripper vs sanding, discussing the pros and cons of each method and providing guidance on which one may be preferable for your next project. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a curious homeowner, read on to learn more about these two popular paint removal techniques.
When to Use Paint Stripper vs Sanding
Using Paint Stripper
- For going all the way down to the wood, especially if your furniture has a veneer top
- Ideal for multiple old layers of paint on walls or on a piece of furniture
- If paint is very badly cracked or peeling (some also use a heat gun)
- Needed if you plan on staining your wood surface
- Chemical strippers are needed if you are dealing with lead-based paint
Using Sanding Methods
- Ideal for when you don't need to remove all of the stain or paint from a piece of wood furniture (remove the top coat so the paint and primer can adhere)
- If there is a blemish in the wood and it needs to be sanded out
- Can also be used for distressing furniture after entire piece is painted
How to Strip Paint from Wood
Using a paint remover for wood can be a fairly quick and painless process if you know what you are doing. Also keep in mind that there are different types of paint strippers for varying types of material. For our purposes, we are going to focus on paint removal from any type of wood.
Supplies Needed
- Protective gear like mask and gloves
- Paint stripper: Klean-Strip is the best paint stripper and my go-to
- Putty knife
- High grit sandpaper
- Paint brush
- Paper plate to dispose of old finish
Apply Paint Remover
Klean-Strip is my personal preference for paint stripping because it works so fast. I have tried a few other products, but always come back to this one. You can find it at Home Depot.
Tip: Caution is absolutely necessary because this stripper is very TOXIC. It will eat anything it touches so make sure to follow the warning label on the product. Wearing a mask and protecting your skin are vital for any paint removal project.
For this desk refinishing project, I started by applying paint stripper generously onto the flat surfaces. Use a paint brush for the application and make sure you have thick layers of stripper to penetrate into the old paint job.
If you are dealing with lead paint you must use chemical paint strippers instead of sanding it. Sanding lead-based paint causes the lead to be released into the air, allowing you to breathe it in and creating a very dangerous environment. If you don't know if your paint is lead based, testing kits are available to check.
Allow Time to Strip Furniture
After the stripper has been applied, allow it to sit for about 15 minutes to penetrate into the entire surface. Your paint layer will start to bubble and look like this. Some areas will bubble more than others - that is normal.
Scrape Off Paint
After about 15 minutes (or the time recommended on your label), take your putty knife or paint scraper and begin scraping your paint off in small sections. Make sure to scrape in the direction of your wood grain as to minimize any scratching to the bare wood. I find it easiest to scrape my paint on to a paper plate so I can dispose of it all when finished.
Repeat Process if Needed
After you have scraped all the loose paint and stripper off with your first coat, you may need to apply another coat of stripper, especially if you have several layers of paint underneath. Follow the same steps to use stripper until all your paint is off.
Light Sanding
Once your paint is off you will still need to lightly sand your work area for a clean surface because paint stripper doesn't always strip everything evenly. Avoid a coarse 80-grit sandpaper and instead use a high grit sandpaper for this light surface polish.
Paint or Stain
Vacuum or wipe down your work surface to remove all dust particles and any leftover paint debris. Now you can prime, paint or stain your old furniture. Here is what our desk looks like with a fresh coat of new paint.
Video Tutorial for Furniture Stripping
For a step-by-step guide on how to use a paint stripper on furniture with good results, take a look at this Youtube video below.
How to Remove Paint from Wood by Sanding
Sanding your furniture project is another method used to get good results. For smaller projects, it is easy to use sandpaper. But if you are working on any oversized pieces of furniture or something with a large surface area, electric sanders are a good idea to speed up the process.
Supplies Needed
- Sand block or Sandpaper - 80 grit coarse, up to high grit 220
- Electric sander like an orbital sander
- Rags
- Vacuum
- Mask, if needed
Use a Coarse Grit Sandpaper to Start
The first step when beginning to sand is to start your prep with a coarse grit sandpaper. You'll want to use this rough paper to remove the first layers of paint or stain. Make sure to sand with the grain of the wood and not against it, because you can easily scratch the wood.
If you have a large surface area, use an orbital sander to make your life a little easier. Plus, it can be more gentle on your hands. You should be able to get the majority of your finish off with the coarse sandpaper. And don't forget about the tight spaces and crevices. It helps to use a piece of sandpaper for the small cracks.
Remember, you do not need to remove all paint layers completely if you are repainting. But if you are planning on staining, you will need to remove old stain or paint down to the raw wood.
High Grit Sandpaper
Once you have completed the removal with the low grit, wipe everything down before starting again with your high grit paper. I prefer to use 220 to get a smooth finish. This will help to create a nice and smooth surface and remove any scratches from the coarse paper.
Clean Your Furniture
When you are done sanding, use a vacuum to suck up all of the dust particles. It's also smart to use a damp cloth to pick up any additional traces of dust that the vacuum missed. Now you are free to paint or stain your furniture with a new finish. You can also use sanding to create a distressed look on your final product.
Video Tutorial for Sanding
You can see how I sanded and refinished this dining room tabletop in this Youtube video. Or read about refinishing in detail here.
Paint Stripper vs Sanding - Pros and Cons
So what are the downsides and benefits to both of these different methods? Let's take a look.
Furniture Stripper Pros
- Great for getting into tiny nooks and crannies
- Finish is more effective and long-lasting when you strip all the layers and start from scratch
- Usually faster than sanding
Furniture Stripper Cons
- Can be dangerous and harmful to use because it is a chemical
- Can be messy
- Light sanding is still needed to remove any residue or even surface
Sanding Pros
- Not as harmful to health
- Materials and equipment are easy to use
Sanding Cons
- Can be messy
- More time consuming
Using Paint Stripper vs Sanding
In conclusion, the debate between using paint stripper vs sanding may never truly be settled. Both methods have their merits and drawbacks, and ultimately the best approach will depend on the specific project and personal preference. However, it's important to remember that the end goal is always the same: to achieve a beautifully finished surface.
Whether you choose the quick and easy route of paint stripping or the more time-consuming but precise method of sanding, the key is to take your time and do it right. So before you embark on your next paint removal project, carefully consider your options and choose the method that will give you the best result.
Happy DIYing!
Brooke
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