How would I remove paint but not the stain underneath?

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I was given my mothers old dresser and I would like to refinish it. It has this ugly paint on it that is separating from itself. Underneath there is a beautiful stain. I would like to be able to remove the old ugly paint without harming the stain underneath. Any suggestions on what to use??

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  1. David B says:
    September 28, 2009 at 5:06 am

    If the paint is already peeling, I’d try warming it with a hair dryer. Use a plastic scraper made for furniture stripping to remover it once warmed. You may still have to refinish the entire piece, but I’d try this first.
    I wouldn’t recommend a heat gun in this instance as it will actually produce too much heat and will most likely damage the finish you are hoping to save underneath.

  2. Jeanbug says:
    September 28, 2009 at 5:06 am

    I don’t think this is possible ~ any paint stripper you apply to the dresser will damage the varnish beneath. Plus, it’s been my experience that most people will paint over old antique furniture because there may have been some underlying damage to the stain to begin with… such as water damage, scorch marks, discoloration, and so on. Our parents & grandparents reasoned that paint was cheaper & easier than trying to deal with an expensive restoration job, especially on a piece of "used" furniture.

    It’s best just to remove both the paint & varnish, and then restore the dresser using a stain similar to what was on there originally.

  3. Smokin' Joe says:
    September 28, 2009 at 5:06 am

    gel paint remover and scraper, as so as paint bubbles up, scape gently but quickly, do small portions at a time be easy not to cut into wood or stain

    Email if any questions,

    Joe

  4. poppajoe49 says:
    September 28, 2009 at 5:06 am

    Dave B got it almost perfect! A regular hair dryer won’t get hot enough to remove paint though, you need a heat gun, basically, it is a hair dryer on steroids! Mine has 2 heat settings, and I always start with the lower temp one just in case.

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