Quickly removing old paint & varnish

Removing a finish by sanding or hot air guns is effective, if tedious, but there is a real risk of damaging delicate mouldings and fine details using these methods. In addition each can create a health risk through dust or fumes, especially if you're removing pre 1960's paint which contains lead.

The third way of removing an old finish is to use a good paint and varnish remover. This type of product varies tremendously. Finney’s Extra Strength Trade Stripper is one of the most effective paint and varnish removers on the market.

How to use Finney's Extra Strength Trade Stripper:

1. Apply using a brush so that the surface coating becomes softened. Apply a second coat if necessary! Do not allow the paint stripper to dry out.
2. Test with a chisel scraper, and if sufficiently softened remove as much of the finish from flat surfaces scraping surplus into a newspaper for disposal. Always wear category three safety gloves.
3. Before the stripper dries out, dip up a pad of either No.1or No.2 Steel Wool (delicate work) or No.3 or No.4 Steel Wool (coarse work) into more stripper to scrub out along the grain and in corners.
4. When all of the old finish has been removed, wash down in White Spirits to clean the surface and neutralise the stripper.