Expert: Eileen Cronk - 5/1/2007

Question
We have been attempting to strip the paint off an antique piano.  The piano has been painted at least four times.  When we get down to the yellow paint everything becomes a big goopy mess.  Is there a quicker more effective way of removing all this paint?  So far I have spent an entire day stripping one side and another day stripping the front. Whatever method we use it needs to be safe around children and pets.

Answer
Hi Pam
Nice to hear from you.
You are finding out what I found out a few years back about removing paint..its a miserable job. I rarely take on stripping paint anymore. And there is no fast way.
I am familiar with this gooey type paint you are finding. I suspect its lead paint, and this is not safe at this stage for pets or kids. Any stripper is safer than this.
Please get a lead testing kit at the paint store and check this out.
If the paint proves not to contain lead, a heat gun is very helpful in removing multiple layers of paint. But you still need stripper to remove the residue.
Good Luck
Eileen