best stripper to remove paint?

[lildynamitej]

I finally did it. I am a first time homeowner of a 3000 sq ft. 120 yr old house. I would like to first remove the paint from the molding and woodwork. What is the best stripper? I have no idea what is under all the paint and would like to restore best as possible. Also windows are all painted shut and have original glass, doors, etc in the house. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Faron79]

An old home like that almost certainly has lead in a lower layer.

If your trim is going to be removed and stripped, you can use the “harsh stuff”! Meaning…the Methylene-chloride based stuff in the garage, where there’s LOTS of air!!!.

If trim is staying inside, I strongly recommend you consider a newer class of strippers: http://www.dumondchemicals.com/smart-strip.htm

They’re more expensive and slower, but you can use them inside, and they’re No-VOC. They DO work though!!
This stuff has been used on many old restoration projects where the “harsh-stuff” just isn’t an option.
A gallon averages about $50.

In a few years, the harsh strippers will be getting rarer.

Faron

[Author]

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