Refresh Old Wood Trim Finish

James Dulley
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:00:00 -0800
Lifestyle

Dear James: The woodwork in my old house could use refinishing. Much of it has complex, intricate profiles. What is the best way to strip it without breaking it? — Patty G.

Dear Patty: Woodwork in many older houses is truly stunning when it is properly refinished, but care must be taken not to destroy any of the detail when stripping it. The old wood may be brittle, so don't try too hard to remove the pieces if they seem securely attached.

The three typical methods to remove old paint and varnish are: 1) using chemical strippers, 2) sanding and 3) heat. Since there are so many different types of wood, styles and patterns, you will probably end up using a combination of all three methods on various pieces. Assume that the old woodwork probably has several layers of finishes on it.
Updated: Thu Dec 11, 2025

Dear James: The woodwork in my old house could use refinishing. Much of it has complex, intricate profiles. What is the best way to strip it without breaking it? — Patty G.

Dear Patty: Woodwork in many older houses is truly stunning when it is properly refinished, but care must be taken not to destroy any of the detail when stripping it. The old wood may be brittle, so don't try too hard to remove the pieces if they seem securely attached.

The three typical methods to remove old paint and varnish are: 1) using chemical strippers, 2) sanding and 3) heat. Since there are so many different types of wood, styles and patterns, you will probably end up using a combination of all three methods on various pieces. Assume that the old woodwork probably has several layers of finishes on it.

Chemical stripping is probably the gentlest method of removing the old paint and varnish, especially on the pieces that you can safely remove from the wall. When doing smaller pieces, place them on end in a small can to catch the stripper that drips off. You can probably reuse this stripper.

The least expensive type of chemical stripper uses a thick paraffin base. After you use this type, you will have to clean the paraffin residue off the bare wood with paint thinner or a solvent. The next better grade is called "no-clean" because it does not leave a wax residue. It is still sometimes a good idea to do some little sanding cleanup afterward.

The most expensive, but easiest to use chemical strippers are called "water wash." They cut the old paint and varnish quickly and then can be rinsed away with water from a garden hose. Rinse the stripper off quickly and dry the wood. With the finish removed, the wood surface can be damaged by excessive water penetration.

Most strippers are available as liquids or pastes. The liquid type is best to use on large flat surfaces. The pastes work better on irregular surfaces with detail and vertical pieces of woodwork still attached to the wall.

The best technique is to quickly brush on a thick coat of the stripper, and try not to brush any spot twice. Between 20 and 30 minutes of soaking time is typical, but read the instructions on the can. Use a scraper or putty knife to remove the old finish. Be careful not to scrape any fine surface detail off the wood.

Power sanding is also an effective and very quick method to remove old finish, but it is best suited to larger flat areas. It is impossible not to remove some of the underlying wood too, so make sure you are not working with thin veneers. Medium or coarse sandpaper clogs less than fine grit. Using a scouring pad and steel wool is another form of sanding.

Using an electric heat gun will soften thick finishes and allow you to scrape much of it off. It is ideal for large, flat surfaces. You may see some experienced painters use a propane torch, but you should not attempt this.