How to Strip Varnish or Wax from Furniture

To give a new lease of life to your chest of drawers or wardrobe and match it to your interior décor, you want to repaint your piece of furniture. But before you get the brushes out, you need to prepare your wooden furniture. Discover three techniques for stripping varnished or waxed furniture.

Why strip wooden furniture?

How do you bring wooden furniture back to life? Stripping is an effective solution. But what is stripping?

Stripping consists of removing the top layer covering your wooden furniture, whether it is old wax, old varnish, or flaking paint. Furthermore, stripping allows you to check the condition of your furniture. Is the wood still in good condition? Has it aged prematurely in certain areas? Are there any worrying irregularities?

During the stripping process, you will be able to truly tell if your piece of furniture is in good condition. You will then be able to quickly decide whether it requires thorough maintenance or if you should consider replacing it.

How do you know if furniture is varnished or waxed?

Before you start maintaining your wooden furniture, it is important to know whether it is varnished or waxed.

Don't panic, it’s very simple. Take a cloth soaked in methylated spirits. The result will help you identify the finish on your furniture.

Waxed furniture: the cloth will become sticky and discolored.

Varnished furniture: the cloth will remain clean and will only pick up dirt.

Now, you are ready to strip your furniture and give it a new lease of life!

Preparing your wooden furniture with abrasive paper

This is the most obvious technique, but also the most laborious! Sanding involves using sandpaper. Use coarse grit for large flat surfaces, especially if you are working on a bulky piece of furniture such as a bookcase, a display cabinet, or a dining room table.

Stripping waxed or varnished furniture without tools

An eco-friendly and effective recipe for stripping varnished or waxed furniture uses a baking soda paste. Mix a glass of water and a glass of baking soda in a bowl. Apply this paste to the parts of the furniture to be renovated. Then, spray white vinegar onto the paste. It will foam naturally. Let the mixture sit for ten minutes, then remove it. Rub gently with a metal scouring pad. Rinse with clean water and let the furniture air dry. Once dry, dust it off to remove any remaining baking soda.

How to strip varnished or waxed wooden furniture with a heat gun

The last solution uses heat. A heat gun is very effective for removing layers of varnish, wax, and paint quickly. Select an appropriate temperature so as not to damage your furniture. Test the heat gun on an inconspicuous area (the back of your wardrobe, for example). Always keep at least 5 centimeters between the surface to be stripped and the heat source. When the varnish blisters under the effect of the heat, remove it with a metal spatula or a putty knife. Let your tool and its nozzle cool down before putting them away. By following one of these three techniques, you will end up with perfectly cleaned furniture ready for a new life. Get your brushes ready!

Are there natural ways to strip varnished or waxed furniture?

Yes, of course. However, they are not always sufficient to bring wooden furniture back to life. Wood is not the only element to consider when stripping. Stripping differs for a lightly varnished piece of furniture compared to one with moldings and several layers of paint!

 The natural recipe is effective for a light coat of paint, but if your furniture has thick paint, it will not be enough. In this case, we recommend sanding or heat stripping. They are more effective and will easily breathe new life into your wooden furniture!

How to naturally strip your varnished or waxed furniture?

Take the time to clean the wooden furniture you want to strip. Use a damp sponge and wipe it over the entire piece of furniture.

Once cleaned, sprinkle the furniture with baking soda, then spray white vinegar over it. The mixture will foam immediately. Leave it to rest for ten minutes to soften the layer of paint or varnish to be stripped.

 Then, grab a brush and prepare for the final step. Scrub vigorously and consistently, without damaging the wood. Be careful not to damage the furniture while trying to restore all its beauty.