Need to remove an old varnish from your furniture? Especially if it’s veneer, I highly recommend using a paint/varnish stripper instead of going straight to sanding with an orbital sander or using a carbide scraper. Yes it’s a bit messier, but you don’t run the risk of burning through the veneer with a sander or accidentally gouging out a hole with a carbide scraper.

I personally use a water based stripper, but chemical ones are available too. Here’s how:

1. Apply the stripper liberally to the surface you want to strip.
2. Cover with cling film to help it not dry out.
3. Wait 15-20 minutes, then take a flat edged scrapper and scrape off the stripper into a disposable container (I like using a cardboard box).
4. Repeat the process until all of the old varnish is removed (usually 2 or 3 times). If it’s stubborn old varnish, use some steel wool to remove the stripper.
5. When you’re done, just wipe the piece with some water to neutralise any remaining stripper.

That’s it! You should have a nicely stripped piece now ready to be sanded and refinished.

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