How do I remove multiple layers of paint from the trim and molding of my old house without damaging the wood?

Question

I have a home that was built nearly 100 years ago. There are at least 7 or 8 layers of paint over the wood molding and trim around the doors and such. I'd like to take off the paint to let the natural wood beauty shine, but I don't want to scrape it because that might damage the wood underneath. What is the best chemical to use or the best way to do this? Thanks!

Answer 1

I just went throgh this. house a bit over 100 years. The fastest is heat. Get a heat gun and warm it till it bubbles and then gently scrape it off. I found the chemical removers take several applications. when i did it, it took about 1/2 per running foot. In either case you will have to sand a bit, I found the heat was faster as long as you are carefull with the scraper it wont be much of a problem. work with it for a while and get the feel of it. try not to burn the wood. I am sorry to say... it wont be easy either way. But it will pay off big if the wood is nice. Be sure and have the paint tested for lead.

Answer 2

For DIY some of the newer heavy paste strippers are very good & non toxic ( home centers).
Not cheap , but do work well on multiple layers of paint.
On the bright side, there is probably a shellac or varnish finish on the woodwork in a home that old & will help release the paint on top.
Also in a house that old ,you will be getting rid of years worth of lead based paint
The advantage is, the paint comes off in relatively solid sheets when lifted off with a plastic scraper & you do not get the wet messy residue you would w/ gel type strippers.
When you get down to the original "varnish" , a gel type stripper is OK for final cleanup using bronze wool. old toothbrush.rags etc
Not a fast process , but ultimately, you can expect good results without damaging the wood.
If the wood cleans up well & the color is what you like, an oil finish is easiest to apply & gives a warm "old world" finish.
You can use the original shellac or varnish finish ( probably tinted ).
It would be criminal to use polyurethane, sand or stain the woodwork in a good old house.
Love old homes.
Best of luck.

Answer 3

I would suggest a gel paint stripper. It works much better than the liquid ones. You can use bulldog steel wool in fine grain. You can also use a heat gun that is made specifically for this. Don't forget to protect the wood once you've gotten all that paint off of it. I'm not fond of wood varnishes but prefer linseed oil. It keeps the wood healthy and eliminates future splitting of the wood.

Answer 4

Aheat gun is alot less messy than paint strippers liquid. But be careful not to let the gun on a spot to long it will burn the wood