Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/12/2010

Question
what is the best way to remove paint from veneer without losening the veneer from the underlying wood.  Can you use a heat gun? thank you

Answer
Hi Rick
Nice to hear from you.
Removing paint from veneer is no different than removing paint from solid wood.
Its one of those Old Wives tales that veneer cannot be stripped of finish or paint.
Rest assured you will never remove the veneer during the process.
But do not use a heat gun.
Use a proper stripper.
Not one of those water based strippers.
Here is an example of the correct stripper for your job.
http://www.swingpaints.com/1806.htm

I also include for you the stripping info.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STRIPPING RICKS VENEER FURNITURE
The first thing you must do is assemble the material to do the job.
The stripper is the most important item.  
I am hoping you can get "CIRCA 1850" brand paint and varnish remover in your area.
Here is a link
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1694&familyN...

MATERIAL LIST For the stripping stage.
1 gallon stripper
3 boxes of Bull Dog steel wool in medium grade.
One 3 inch oil based paint brush.
Rubber gloves (like you do dishes with), and a pair of cotton gloves inside the rubber ones.
People react differently to stripper. A lot of people feel heat through the rubber gloves, but I feel cold. Have no idea why.
An empty large coffee can. (for the stripper)
A couple of old tooth brushes.
Lots of old rags (I like t-shirts or cotton but for this first stage whatever you have)
Lots of newspaper to protect the garage floor
LOTS OF VENTILATION..A MUST
That's all you need to get started.
HERES WHAT YOU DO...
Work in sections.
Brush on the stripper with the brush. Stripper will quit working if it dries, so keep it wet till the finish softens.
Then take a rag and wipe this mess off.
Then another coat of stripper, rag off again, then while the wood is still wet, take the steel wool and rub with the grain till the wood is nice and clean.
Depending on the material you are removing, another coat of stripper is often needed but you will know this as you progress into the job.
Use the toothbrush in crevices.
Thats all there is to it ...move to another section and continue.
No other prep is necessary...and DO NOT SAND
When the stripping is complete, stain with Minwax oil stain applied with a rag, then 3 or 4 coats of low lustre tung oil also applied with a rag.
Please let me know if anything is not 100% clear.
Best of luck Rick
Eileen