Citristrip is my go-to for stripping paint off wood. Works well, smells like oranges instead of death, and you can use it indoors without a respirator. Here’s what you need to know.
How It Works
It’s a gel. Slather it on thick. Leave it alone. The gel breaks down the paint bond while staying wet long enough to actually work.
Unlike old-school strippers that dry out in twenty minutes, Citristrip stays active for up to 24 hours. You can cover it with plastic wrap and leave overnight for really stubborn finishes.
The Process
Apply thick with a cheap brush. Don’t spread it thin. Cover the surface completely.
Wait. Minimum 30 minutes, but more time usually helps. For multiple layers of paint, I leave it four hours or overnight.
Scrape it off. Plastic scrapers work for most jobs. Metal scrapers for really stubborn stuff, but be careful not to gouge the wood.
Wipe down with mineral spirits. Then let it dry before sanding or refinishing.
What It Strips
Latex paint, oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, shellac, polyurethane. Pretty much any finish.
It struggles with really old paint that’s basically petrified. For that, you might need multiple applications or something stronger.
The Limitations
Not great for intricate details. The gel tends to stay in corners and grooves. You’ll need small tools to get it all out.
Multiple layers take multiple applications. Strip one layer, reapply, strip the next. Patience required.
Why I Use It
No toxic fumes. Can work in my garage with the door cracked instead of needing full outdoor ventilation.
It doesn’t attack the wood underneath like harsher chemicals can.
For furniture refinishing, it’s hard to beat.
