How to Remove Oil Paint From Wood

It's possible to remove oil paint from wood objects. Even though oil paint sticks well to wood, a chemical stripper will break down oil paint and make it very easy to remove. You can transform a painted dresser, desk or table into something altogether different by removing its coat of oil paint and applying a new finish.

Things You'll Need

• Chemical paint stripper
• Large paintbrush
• Plastic putty knife
• Toothpicks and chopsticks
• Old rags

Instructions

1. Apply chemical paint stripper with a large paintbrush. Put on a thick coat and work on a small, manageable area of the wood piece at a time. Make sure to get the stripper into any recessed areas of the wood piece. Let the chemicals work for the amount of time stated by the manufacturer.

2. Use a plastic putty knife to scrape off the softened oil paint. Throw the chunks of paint into a waste bucket. Use a toothpick or chopstick to remove paint in small recessed areas. It may be necessary to apply stripper a second time if the oil paint is not fully removed the first time around.

3. Wipe the piece down with a damp rag when you've removed all the old paint.

4. Apply the finish of your choice.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient after applying the chemical stripper; it will take a few minutes to break down the structure of the oil paint. It may be necessary to reapply stripper to carved areas or other areas with high relief.

• Provide adequate ventilation when working with chemical paint strippers.