Wood Finish Removal

Before applying any chemical stripper, three purchases and one workspace setup determine whether the project runs smoothly and safely: the

There are two completely different products sold as “milk paint,” and they require opposite removal approaches. True casein milk paint

Selecting a chemical stripper is a three-variable decision: the finish type determines which chemical can dissolve it; the surface construction

Identifying the finish on wood before stripping, recoating, or cleaning is the prerequisite step that determines every subsequent decision —

The removal method for tung oil depends entirely on which product was actually applied — because most products labelled “tung

Refinishing wood after chemical stripping requires five preparation steps before any stain or topcoat is applied — and every refinishing

Danish oil is a blend of approximately two-thirds drying oil (tung oil or boiled linseed oil) and one-third varnish (alkyd

Furniture wax — paste wax, beeswax polish, carnauba-based wax — is a penetrating finish that dissolves completely in non-polar petroleum

Shellac is the only wood finish that remains permanently soluble in alcohol — a shellac finish applied 100 years ago

Removing varnish from wood requires identifying the varnish chemistry before selecting a stripper or method — because varnish is not