How to Remove Speckle Paint From Wood Furniture

Speckle paint is method of painting wood furniture by covering it in tiny specks of paint, rather than applying an even coat. Although the effect is charming in some decor styles, there are times when speckle painted wood furniture looks tacky. It it's time to refinish your wooden furniture pieces, here is a guide to remove speckle paint.

This also works if your furniture has a few accidental speckles ruining the finish.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. First, put on a face mask and take your wood furniture piece to a well ventilated area, or outside, where you can refinish it.

2. Soak a cotton cloth in mineral spirits or other moderate solvent, and vigorously rub the speckle paint to soften the spots. For very old paint jobs, it may take more effort to dissolve the paint. This can take off some of the old wood finish, but it's inevitable.

3. When the paint has dissolved as much as it will go, wipe down the wood with one last application of solvent.

4. Next, when the wood has completely dried, use fine sand paper to remove the last traces of paint. First sand in circle motions, then go along the grain so the sanding doesn't stand out.

5. Thoroughly brush of the sawdust, and apply at least two coats of polyurethane, or other preferred finish. Let the coats dry at least 12 hours between applications. If the speck paint is still slightly visible, use a darker varnish to hide it.