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How to remove paint

A fully sanded side table

Overview

If your timber furniture is looking a little tired or covered in flaky paint, stripping it back can help you restore its natural beauty. Follow this step-by-step guide to remove old paint from wood and prepare your furniture for a new finish.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Start with a clean surface

Before you begin removing the paint, it’s important to clean the furniture thoroughly. Dust and grime can mix with the paint or stripper, making the process messier than it needs to be. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface, paying extra attention to corners and crevices where dust tends to collect.
Clean surface using a damp cloth

2Remove loose paint

With your furniture clean, it’s time to tackle the flaky, loose paint. Use a paint scraper to gently lift any peeling paint from the surface. Hold the paint scraper at a slight angle—this helps avoid gouging or scratching the timber beneath. For areas where the paint is stubborn, grab a wire brush and use it to work into the grain. This step might take a bit of elbow grease, but it’s worth the effort to ensure you’ve removed as much of the old paint as possible before moving on to the next stage.
Use paint scraper to remove peeling paint from the surface

3Apply paint stripper

Paint stripper is your secret weapon for tackling stubborn paint layers. Pour the product into a bucket, and with a paintbrush, apply a generous and even coat over the painted surface. It’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully, as different products have varying application times. Most paint strippers need about 60 minutes to work their magic, but keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t dry out. As the paint stripper begins to work, you’ll notice the old paint starting to bubble and lift. This is a good sign that the product is doing its job. Be patient during this step - allowing the stripper to sit for the full recommended time will make the scraping process much easier.
Apply Paint Stripper with a paint brush

4Scrape away the paint

Next, use your paint scraper to carefully remove the bubbled paint, working in the direction of the timber grain. This reduces the risk of scratching or damaging the surface. If you find areas where paint remains, don’t worry—just reapply the stripper, wait for it to work, and scrape again. Some stubborn spots might need a second or even third application, depending on how thick or old the paint is.
Scrape away the paint from a wooden surface using a scraper 

5Clean the surface

After you’ve removed all the paint, clean the surface thoroughly. Use a clean cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to wipe away any residual paint stripper. This ensures there are no chemicals left behind that could interfere with sanding or finishing later on. Take your time here, especially in areas where the paint stripper might have pooled.
Clean the surface with a clean cloth

6Sand the timber

Sanding is essential for smoothing out the timber and removing any lingering paint. Start with medium-grit sandpaper (around 120 grit) to tackle the tougher patches and level out the surface. Once the majority of the work is done, switch to a finer-grit sandpaper (240 grit) to create a smooth and even finish.

Sanding also helps to open up the timber’s pores, which is crucial if you’re planning to apply a new finish. Pay special attention to edges and corners, as these areas are often missed but can be very visible in the final result.

Sand the surface of a wooden cabinet using a Ryobi sander

7Final clean and dry

After sanding, the timber will be covered in fine dust, so give it a final clean. Use a clean cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to wipe down the surface and remove all traces of dust and residue. Make sure to rinse and wring out the cloth regularly to keep it effective. Then allow the timber to dry completely, especially if you’re going to paint, stain, or varnish the piece.
Wipe the surface with a cloth after sanding

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Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.