Stripping

I bought these super cute dinning room chairs at the Liberty Antique Festival a year ago with every intention of refinishing them. A year later…I finally stripped my first chair! Yay! I know… a YEAR later. I can not be the only person that fantasizes about a house that looks like it just walked out of Pinterest, and during all of that time pinning (fantasizing) I collected a few projects. Life gets in the way, and a year later I finally got around to it. I wanted to share a few things about this first stripping experience….

I researched and researched. I gathered all needed materials. Then I set out to strip this chair today of its at least 5 layers of paint. Yes I will be painting these chairs again, so I guess some would say that stripping wasn't completely necessary. However, looking at the chairs I could tell that there were several layers of paint under the top white. It was very evident to me that the previous owners did not take the time to sand these chairs prior to adding a new coat of paint. Also, the paint was chipped down to the wood in certain place. I can not even imagine how much sanding would have been required to get those spots to smooth out if I didn't remove the paint. I believe that I will get a better finish by stripping the paint, but if you have more experience in refinishing feel free to suggest other options in the comments. I do have 3 more chairs yet to do.

I thought I had thought of everything, and then half way through this process I asked "What am I going to do with all this crap?" By "crap" I mean, paint chips, water that is now contaminated with paint stripper, and of course the paint stripper itself. I am still not exactly sure of the best way of disposing of these items. I guess that will require a little more research.

I did learn, however, that instead of using Jasco Paint Stripper, I will be using something a little more "green" or biodegradable next time. I am thinking about trying Citristrip.

Lessons Learned:
1) Less is not more…more is more. Lay the stuff on thick.
2) Let it sit, (but scrape before it dries). It was very tempting to me to start scrapping away as soon as the paint started bubbling, but it is better to way a little longer.
3) Use a plastic tarp, makes clean up a breeze. I did this and I am so glad I did.
4) Don't press too hard. I used a metal putty knife (which I know is a no no), but it was all I had on hand.

So finally here is my chair:

Honestly, there are still patches of paint, but since I am painting and not staining I don't think it will be a big deal. I kind of like the way it looks right now. Pretty rustic. I seriously considered doing a top coat and calling it a day, but I think in the end I will like the chairs painted green better. 

Any suggestions for paint stripping are welcomed just leave a comment. :-) 

I also found these videos, and will be taking some of their advice for the other three chairs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8rjp6jXsAg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dTIOMtL2ko&list=UUjRQo2mDFaBa8O5Kj3t5yEw