What's the best way to get 5 layers of paint off a dresser?

Answer 1

If it's an older piece, I would avoid sanding. The paint could contain lead, which you don't want to grind into dust and spread all over your workshop or basement, nor do you want your family breathing lead dust.

Chemical stripper would be best, particularly if the dresser has carving or other fine detail. I've had the best luck with the older type of strippers that contain methyl chloride. Savogran is one brand. It's nasty stuff, but it works great. Your work area should be well ventilated, have good light and not be close to ignition sources such as water heaters because the stripper is very flammable. You'll need lots of rags as well as coarse steel wool and some putty knives for scraping off the glop. If you have carving to clean out, you'll want an X-acto knife or something similar with a collection of blades and points. The cheap dental tools from Asia that you sometimes see at flea markets are useful, too. You should also consider buying gloves that will resist the stripper. Hardware stores that sell the stripper probably have the gloves. Methyl chloride strippers will melt ordinary kitchen or surgical gloves. They will burn skin, too, so if you get it on you, wash it off right away. For more general info, read the instructions on the can.

A solvent is necessary for cleaning off the vestiges of stripper and old paint after you've scraped off the big chunks. I've used paint thinner and lacquer thinner. Paint thinner is cheaper. See which you like best.

I've tried the newer citrus strippers that are supposed to be better for the environment and less hazardous generally, but they are so slow that I find it easier to use the evil stuff, then dispose of the waste with our county's hazardous waste program. Use a metal container (coffee cans are great) for the waste because the remaining stripper will dissolve most plastics.

Heat guns are excellent for flat surfaces and woodwork that isn't too involved. If you have carving with a lot of detail, it's very easy to burn things. If it's an older piece that probably has lead paint, you'll be creating hazardous fumes and lead dust. Maybe do the flat areas with a heat gun, then any carving with chemical stripper.

Answer 2

A lot of work is required for paint removal and the results may not be the expected. You should try applying another layer of paint (the sixth one) without stripping.

Remember that previous paint layers may have lead, a metal known to cause cancer.

Answer 3

I agree with the Heat gun, thats the best way to preserve the wood and grain. I did that with some old doors and they came out really nice. If the dresser is not so nice, and you just want to do a quick job so it looks nice sand it so everything is even and primer over it and paint it again.

Answer 4

paint stripper. Follow instructions, have good ventilation.


If you leave it on a few minutes, you may be able to scrape ALL the layers of paint off with an ice scrapper or any scrapper that is hard plastic.

Beware the metal scrapers - they can leave gouges in the wood.

Answer 5

Sanding. Get some 20 grit sandpaper (eventually working up to 500 grit) and a power sander and go to it. It leaves it smooth with enough grip to hold on to the stain, paint, varnish, or whatever.

Answer 6

Go to Home depot and ask them, they are super for information and helping you get the right products. A lot of paint stripper and a lot of patience too!

Answer 7

If you can beg or borrow a hot-air paint stripper (sort of like a blow dryer with a sadistic streak), these can be magic on heavy buildups of paint.

Answer 8

Chemical Stripper or Heat gun, both are messy and time cosuming but work well. Use a broad faced Paint scraper also.

Answer 9

the only thing i know to do is to sand it down. thats what i did to my sons dresser then i painted over it. it looks reall good now too. hope this helps

Answer 10

Paint thinner. Works every time. :)
Get some sand paper too. That'll help on the rough spots.