Removing Wood Finish from Door?

Question

I'm trying to remove some finish on my front door. How do you do it?! My dad's making me sand it with 120 grit, but there are many layers of finish and it's taking forever to remove. Help please?

Answer 1

Try Citristrip, it removes most types of paints and works really good on varnishes. Apply it with a natural bristle brush let it sit for 15-20 minutes, take a scraper and scrape off the majority of the stripper and finish, then mix 1/2 lacquer thinner and 1/2 denatured alcohol together take 00 steel wool soak it in the lacquer thinner/denatured alcohol and scrub it really well, making sure you remove ALL the stripper. Make sure you wear gloves, a mask and do it in a well ventilated area. Let it dry for 24 hours, sand with 180-220 grit sandpaper after that you will be able to stain or paint it.

Answer 2

It depends on what the finish is, but more than likely any sort of paint/varnish remover will work fine.  Also, try a heavier grit of sandpaper.  Work with the coarse grits and work your way up to the finer grits.

Answer 3

Have you tried using a varish stripper or TSP and water...

But to be honest sanding is much cleaner easier and less toxic and safer to use.

I can not remember the name exactly off the top of my head but i think it is something like Stip EX (it is orange gel) ... I have also used another brand in a metal container it has 30 minute and 15 minute versions...But Strip EX one is better...

If you are going to use the varnish and paint strippers ... make sure you get Varnish Stripping gloves to protect your hands from getting burned and you will need a paint brush and a putty knife (use plastic to not damage the wood) to remove it.. follow the directions on the container for length of time to wait.. you will when you are done need some mineral spirits to clean the wood and tools and then you will just need a some steel wool and sand paper to remove the last of the residue.

good luck