How to remove paint from hardwood trim and moldings?

Question

Just bought a house and the previous owners painted the hardwood trim (door frames and baseboard trim) a dark green and we would like to remove it and bring back the original wood.

Any Ideas????

Answer 1

My first suggestion would be to remove all the trim and moulding from the walls.  Mark the backside of them, as to location, so you know where they go.

Now you can work on stripping the paint without damaging the wall surface, or flooring material.  (I'd do the actual stripping in a garage, or shed, with the door open, hehe)

A citris based stripper is fairly safe to use, but it is slow.  You apply it liberally, and then wait.  After its done the work, you can easily scrape off the paint, and clean it up.

You should know that any stripper you use to remove the paint, is also going to remove any finish that was on the original wood... so  you're going to have to refinish it, after stripping it.  Another good reason to remove all the trim, before you start working on it.  hehehe.

After stripping the paint off, be sure to use a neutralizing agent, or 'rinse' on the trim, before applying a new finish.

You just might find it faster, and less expensive, to install new trim... something to think about.

Have Fun

Answer 2

Unless this is just something you enjoy doing, you're much better off just buying new trim.  I know hardwood is very expensive, but you'll "earn" pennies per hour doing this versus buying new.  And, the wood will probably never look like it should; it's just a tough thing to do.  A beautiful old restaurant here was giving away painted Walnut trim and got no takers.  I looked at it and, as much as I could have used it, it just wasn't worth it.  Broke my heart to drive by later and see the claw shoving it all in the dumpster.

Answer 3

Best I have found is a soy based paint stripper. No harsh chemicals or danger to yourself or the environment. i have included a list of different manufactures, but you can search further yourself or check with your local hardware store.

I paid about 45$ a gallon for what I have.

Answer 4

use liquid or gel furniture stripper in a well ventillated area. formby's has a great line of products for furniture and wood refinishing.  you will need chemical safe gloves, various scrapers, steel wool/ moldable sanding block, drop cloths, old toothbrushes, elbow grease and patience. good luck.