How To Remove Paint From Wood w/ Heat Gun | Wagner Furno 300 VS. Chemical Stripper

[@DennyGeib-md9ze]

I am 68 years old and have refinished many pieces of furniture in my days. As you said, the strippers are not the same quality as years gone by and I understand that previous strippers were not the safest and needed to be reformulated. After watching your video, I decided to purchase a heat gun to strip my next project. It is an old wooden dresser that my wife's Grandfather purchased and gave to my mother-in-law (his daughter) to use as a changing table when my wife was born - also 68 years ago. It has been painted at least 4 times (2 × white & 2 x black). I am anxious to try my first attempt at stripping furniture with a heat gun. I will let you know how it works out. Thank you for your video and honest opinions! Denny

[@salvagedbykscott]

The girl who's willing to take the time and elbow grease to strip off old paint is always the hero! Thanks for this comparison.

[@brandy2378]

I watch you too

[@priestof1s]

Amen

[@JayTwizzle]

Wagner should be paying you for this video. Four minutes in and I’m sold.

[@KachaFurniture]

The Furno is definitely the hero here! ❤

[@PAM-mn4we]

Thank you for modeling proper behaviors, such as planning, safety, etc. I have zero experience refinishing furniture, but I care about my physical health and well-being, and that of my loved ones, many of whom have respiratory ailments and some of whom have died from them. I appreciate you showing how us to protect our skin and respiratory system from burns, chemicals, etc. Also, as a person who every day is asked by consumers technical questions about everything from how to sharpen a chainsaw to whether a particular generator will power their furnace during a blackout (and what kind of oil does it take), I 200% appreciate your reminder to read the manufacturer's instructions. That is where most -- if not all -- of the answers and warnings live: Not in guesswork or random non-expert brains. :) Bonus pro-tip: Ignore manufacturers' instructions/recommendations and you might void your warranty and permanently damage your equipment. Many people I deal with on a daily basis think they don't need read or follow instructions. This attitude is disturbing on many levels. Again, thank you for modeling proper behaviors and showing us some beautiful work.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Safety first!

[@cme135]

I've been working on stripping our kitchen cabinets of this sky blue paint from the previous owners. It's been a nasty, gross, and messy process with Citristrip. I naively thought I'd get it done in about a week or so...back in Sept 2020. I thought I was using the chemical wrong so I searched for tips and came upon your video. I wish I found it about 3 gallons ago...the heat gun technique is so satisfying and fast. Clean up is a breeze! Thanks for your video. You've save me countless hours and untold amounts of my sanity!

[@LorraineCastellon-Rowe]

The heat gun is my choice!! Easier clean up and no wait time!! And, you can use it over and over without buying more product! Thank you for the comparison!! ❣️❣️❣️

[@tammymitchell4770]

Wow, thanks so much, I'm sold! Christina, I'm literally in the middle of a slow, messy & rather ineffective front door stripping project, using a chemical stripper. Your great advice will save me so much time & money, so I'm gonna get the Wagner tool ASAP! After finally realizing that "there's gotta be a better way", I'm so glad that I found your KZbin video...You've got yourself a new fan & subscriber! Keep up the great work & God Bless!

[@joycejenkins0502]

Heat gun is in my future. Not a fan of Citrastrip. It’s just too mild. I go for Jasco, 15 minute stripper, found at Home Depot. Yes, it’s harsh, but if you wear protective gear, it’s fine. Respirator and chemical gloves are a must. Stripping just stinks.... no matter what you use. 😩. But sometimes a necessary evil. Thanks for the video. I look forward to them every week. You and Kacha are my Fav’s! Furniture painting has literally changed my life.... not kidding. It’s so rewarding, and relaxing. I owe both of you ladies, a huge thank you! 😊

[@romie426]

Great video! If you decide to use the citrus strip, first off, put the piece being stripped on plastic sheeting so there isn’t a messy cleanup afterwards. 2nd, put the stripper on much heavier and cover with Saran Wrap for 24 hours. It works much better with less cleanup afterwards

[@jamesrobertstclair]

This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you for taking us for a walk through the process!

[@Wagner-Spraytech]

We see a clear winner here! Excellent work with your Wagner heat gun, this furniture piece looks gorgeous!

[@emostorm7]

No bias here lol 😂

[@loriz369]

Thank you, definitely will be using the heat gun for my projects.

[@helenk5579]

Thanks for the comparison! I'm stripping french doors with tons of paint on them, and the parts around the window panes are taking forever! Will try this heat gun!

[@suenoprofundo5755]

Don’t use the heat gun near glass - the heat will crack the glass. Use chemical for that last bit near the glass.

[@Irwhodunit]

Thank You! I've been using a chemical stripper in a bathroom for many days. It's rated for indoor use but it requires three or four applications to get through a thick layer of latex paint. I've just power down my scraping elbow and I'm on my way to get a heat gun. And that sticky, gooey stuff...I've generated tons lately. Good job. I'm subscribed.

[@t.j.sanders4213]

Hi Christina. I can not tell you how happy I was to see this video!😂😂🤗 I could've jumped for joy!! I have had a Wagner heat gun for a while for drying paint. I bought a used farmhouse table and chairs that had a really bad stain and paint job. I ordered paint stripper and have been dreading the process!!😒 Thanks to you ill be trying the heat gun method!! Thanks so much for sharing!! And have a very Merry Christmas!!🎄

[@Wagner-Spraytech]

There are so many uses for a heat gun! Enjoy!

[@fowlwinds]

How well does the heat gun work on more detailed/curved areas? The comparison, using chemical stripper, was not apples to apples.

[@samfernandez1842]

Your video just saved me from days of dealing with acid, fumes, and a hazmat nightmare while removing layer upon layer of paint on a 100 year old staircase. Thanks!

[@TheDevilsquid]

If you have a Harbor Freight Tools store near you grab one of their $8 heat guns. Works exactly the same as the name brand and even heats up to 1500 degrees.

[@kimpattin4205]

Will do! Thanks for sharing!!

[@carriehayward4995]

Thanks for sharing!! Great info!

[@brendatomlinson]

@Martin, are you possibly thinking of the 1500 WATT Warrior heat gun? It may hit 1500° but that temp sounds really dangerous.

[@hadiy101]

The max temp on that heat gun is 1000 degrees, it’s just 1500 watts

[@imightfixit]

How long will that $8 HF heat gun last? I just do not trust this store and I am very cautious about what I buy there.

[@lorenagonzalez2419]

I definitely think the hero is the Furno heat gun. I have used Citristrip and like you said the gunk that was left over was just a mess and I stepped on and now its on the garage floor 🤦🏽‍♀️. Thanks for this video!

[@bryancooker9926]

Hello, how are you doing, hope your staying safe?

[@1983pjb]

Heat gun definitely! I used the Orange Stripper a few months ago! After watching your video, I will definitely invest in a heat gun before I use a paint stripper again! If only I had seen this before I watched numerous paint stripping videos, and bought several bottles, steel wool, paper towels, rags, etc., not counting the time, at least two or more months! Thanks a bunch! 😊

[@ChristinaMuscari]

It's so much easier!

[@chadinsocal]

I’m so glad that I found your video because I’ve been using Citristrip to remove 80 years worth of paint from my exterior doors. I immediately related to everything you said about the mess from using it, and I just left Home Depot with the Wagner Furno 300!

[@johnsuechandler478]

I have that gun and love it. It works great for stripping veneer too!

[@TheMrdoc26]

Wow thanks. I have been putting off the removal of many coats of paint from a dresser. Hate using stripper. It’s so messy and like you said. You get it all over from walking on it. Thanks again

[@halnoyes4371]

Even with the electric heat gun, you still need to do a wash to remove residual paint and take steel wool to get it off, and then sand the surface. The heat gun is very useful to minimize the mess of strippers.

[@andreacover5840]

The heat stripping isn't something I'd seen before your videos, but it really looks like a MUCH better option!! 👍👍

[@bryancooker9926]

Hello, how are you doing, hope your staying safe?

[@niamha301]

Thank you so much, I used a heat gun once years ago and had been wondering if the chemical strippers would be easier. But I think I will stick to the heat gun for my new project

[@dixilh8244]

Christina is the real hero! But yes heat gun

[@chelseawho7221]

Yes! Forgot how easy heat guns make stripping. Yes. Been 20years since i used one on my 1920s bungalow exterior. Now trying to refinish a dresser set. Stripped the side table but it was a bear, costly amd messy. Thanks for giving me the go ahead. This is working so easy on the 3 layers of paint on this nice wood free dresser set. South florida is pretty hot already but you saved me some $ and sweat none the less! Peace and hope you find more nice things to make even better!

[@nmatthew7469]

If you had pre 2019 citrus strip it would work but, other than that it's got to be a heat gun for big surfaces, none of the chemical strippers work well.

[@AliAhmed-zj8jc]

You are the Hero in all of your videos 🤩

[@brendatomlinson]

Good answer! 👍🏻

[@richardd9955]

Great comments, nice to see results from the heat gun and well explained. Thanks for your tutorial. I actually had chance years ago to witness a house painter use a heat gun on house trim, lots of work but honest true craftsmanship!

[@Artiej0hn0]

In the beginning, you did not mention wearing a "respirator." Glad you decided to use one. And by the looks of it, you picked an appropriate one. 👍🏻

[@karinaibarra7359]

Thank you! I've been dealing with chemical strippers for a long time and it is always a dangerous mess. Very useful video!

[@bryancooker9926]

Hello, how are you doing, hope your staying safe?

[@129tiny]

What's your favorite sander? When i use citristrip I cover w a sheet of plastic wrap (or cut a 33 gal trashbag if it's a large piece). When ready i peel back a foot or 2. Lots comes off on the plastic, which is an added bonus. I scrape a wrote into the underside of peeled back plastic. It's literally a spotless process. Wrap legs in plastic wrap or ziplock bags.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

I love the Surf Prep and the Festool. I also used a DeWalt orbital sander for years and its a great budget option.

[@ciaartin2221]

I bought a wagner heat gun 2 years ago and have been kind of afraid to use it. Thank you for the demo and all of the tips. I'm going to try it. Chick Power!

[@jeffreybelanger3723]

Well Done! I see a Furno in my future!

[@john-r-edge]

Great video. I last did (decades ago) hot paint stripping with a miniature blowtorch - which has a constant risk of charring the wood if you overdo it. So heat gun superior in that regard. Standard advice was that you use chemical stripping on wood with fine mouldings etc, rather than an blowtorch. But I can see now that heat gun can handle all situations.

[@hangingwiththehuffmans472]

Heat Gun!! I am going to get one today! Thank you for sharing. I'm about to remodel a 1920s downtown apartment and this will come in handy!

[@hangingwiththehuffmans472]

What kind of sander do you use with the hose?

[@feliciacrosby9657]

The heat gun for me. But you’re the real MVP!👍🏽😊👍🏽

[@julieandkevinrhoades1900]

Wonderful video, I have watched it at least 4 times. Also bought a heat gun and YES it's a winner in my book!

[@katieanton5227]

Thank you so much for being so thorough yet to the point. I’m a subscriber now for those reasons😊

[@controlshift975]

Saw your video and thought I would give it a try as I already had the Wagner heat gun. It worked on 60 year old nasty paint and it was a breeze to finish off with a belt sander to raw wood. Thanks as you just shortened my work time and it was fun.

[@philipatoz]

It has been a long time since I used chemical stripper. Nowadays, this just re-enforces my take on it, that I would just about have to stumble upon an exceptionally unique piece that I would be willing to put that kind of time, endure that much mess. If I can't sand it off, I'm not likely to touch it - as life is just way too short for that level of effort, lol.

[@nicolestein3142]

I've never used a chemical stripper and have always been apprehensive about using them. I bought a dresser yesterday that was painted with semi gloss and I am positive it wasn't even wiped down first. I can see places where dirt collects that dirt was painted over. I know sanding it off will be a pain because it's going to gum up and I'll be replacing the sand paper too often. Think I'm going to buy a heat gun

[@geraldhickey7781]

Your right heat gun is much better , I've got the Wagner 750 heat gun and very happy with it.

[@teresalynnturner781]

Really like that heat gun trick. I have a door to do, think I'll try it! Thanks!

[@raywood8187]

You're the hero! I'm tired of goo so I'm going to try the heat gun.

[@chriswood5805]

Do you think this would work to strip stain as well? Have a bunch of old shellac that has bubbled up and looks like alligator skin now, so working through refinishing everything. Have been using the chemical stripper and it works ok but I agree it is very messy, and takes so much sandpaper.

[@carriehayward4995]

You made is look super easy to use a heat 🔥 gun!! Great job! 🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@ChristinaMuscari]

I was very surprised and don't know if I'll ever use chemicals again to strip paint. :)

[@akah7187]

I've always used the citrus stripper which is very messy. I am going to buy the heat gun after watching your video. Thanks!

[@TsvetanVR]

I'm definitely trying this! I bought a very old house (circa 1940) with very large interior doors that look like they've been poorly painted several times. Instead of just ripping them and the frames out of the walls and then get ripped off several thousand Euros for new ones along with labour for installation and wall repairs, I've decided to strip the paint and see if I can make them look good again for the next 80-year cycle. I looked at some chemicals for stripping paint and didn't like the price and the quantity I'd need for 5 large doors. However, I do already own a high-end Wagner heat gun and I'll try what you did with that cupboard. I just wanted to see if and how others are doing it.

[@NicoleHerrickDIY]

Have you tried using mesh sanding pads with an orbital sander? They might not eat through the amount of layers in this video but they eat through a couple of layers so fast! Plus they last much longer than regular sanding pads and you can wash them. I only just discovered them myself and thought I’d pass on the tip in case you haven’t tried them.

[@lesliejohnson7247]

It would have been nice (and encouraging) for your sponsor to offer a discount code. Very interesting video Thanks.

[@brendatomlinson]

Harbor Freight’s Warrior heat gun is half the price and works perfectly for our furniture stripping purposes. I’m not affiliated, I just love saving money!

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I actually tried the stripper that you used. It works... but I don't like it at all. So I'm definitely going to try the heat gun method. Home sick today and binge watching your channel. Learning so much!

[@bryancooker9926]

Hello, how are you doing, hope your staying safe?

[@angeliquehunter1640]

I recently used the orange stripping agent for the first time and yes, it is messy but I loved it! I have a new piece that I will be trying the heat gun! Such a game changer!

[@bryancooker9926]

Hello, how are you doing, hope your staying safe?

[@kathleenbrown1395]

Question is... flat surfaces are easy to work with, but banisters have tricky curves and tiny cracks. Would I have to eventually use chemicals to get in those tiny cracks and crevices?

[@fatfullday]

That turned out beautifully!

[@lisamarie2427]

Hi Christina, Could you please consider making a tutorial video using the ragging technique with chalk paint? I'd like to see this technique with other types of paint also, but I love chalk paint especially Annie Sloan. Thank you! Merry Christmas

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Great suggestion! Merry Christmas!

[@bryancooker9926]

Hello Lisa, how are you doing, hope your staying safe?

[@wafiqshafiq573]

Thanks a lot for yr video i know heat gun works well but i was using it the wrong way. Yr video shos the correct way which work fast, easy and effective.

[@m.i.5381]

Thank you for this comparison video. Answered a lot of questions.

[@YourFavoriateJewelrylady]

Thank you for this video I have a question I spray painted a mirror frame in a coppery gold. I hate it. Can i strip it off back to the original white paint it came in? Thank you in advance.

[@patriciaeccleston9738]

Love it! I bought a heat gun that I have yet to use! Definitely going to give it a try! Thanks Christina!

[@bryancooker9926]

Hello, how are you doing, hope your staying safe?

[@amyr556]

I bought a table and four chairs on an online auction site thinking I would be able to refinish them with relative ease. Three months later and they are still in my garage. I may try this.

[@calico_mojo]

Thanks so much for this! I had never heard of this method and was dreeeeeading chemical stripping the ugly paint off a cute dresser I just picked up from FB. I already have a heat gun in my toolkit, so I'm excited to get my project started!

[@alwaysbreathe48]

Thank you this was very helpful.

[@gerardofk]

Many thanks, a very nice and useful video.

[@JasonECI]

Very helpful advice, thanks!!!

[@paulag8843]

Wow beautiful outcome

[@ArtBrewster]

Good video! I appreciate the comparison to a chemical stripper, epecially one I'm already familiar with. I would have loved to also hear comments about the noise level of the gun and how much the gun heated up your garage. It's been 100+ degrees every day in Texas this summer and heating an already hot garage doesn't sound inviting. Lastly, have you considered using a random orbit sander in addition to your vibrating sander? It might cut down your sanding time. Thanks!

[@susannoble4252]

I tried a heat gun about 25 years ago. As I was holding it near the trim I could smell something heating but the paint wasn't pealing. I was melting the carpet!! I'm now going to try again and get the latex over oil paint taken off so I can prime it properly before using latex again.

[@lindapeters5497]

First time watching your videos. Oh I'm so loving how you give so much help to new folks. I just finished my first video with my favorite piece so far the green side table in your living room. Thanks so much for your helpful advice. I can't wait to get started on yard sale makeovers.

[@bryancooker9926]

Hello, how are you doing, hope your staying safe?

[@BellaRenovare]

It is good to know I am not alone in the sticky mess with chemical stripping lol 😝 😆 😂

[@ChristinaMuscari]

I get it everywhere!

[@BellaRenovare]

@@ChristinaMuscari o girl me toooooo

[@pnw-elle]

I am doing a new project this weekend stripping heavy paint off a small desk. Checking your link, Home Depot has these for $23. I'm going to order one for pickup. This would be so much easier with the mess issue.

[@mikloowl4899]

I am planning on stripping and repainting exterior door jambs this summer, would you recommend the heat gun technique? i would prefer to use as few chemicals as possible give 0utdoor animals but i also have a full time job so time v reward is a concern. The hero is the person doing the job properly.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

A heat gun, carbide scraper, or a soy gel stripper could be great options for you to check out.

[@principace]

Very informative. Thank you so much! Love the comparisons.

[@kinzeesh]

I have a solid wood bookcase with baby pink gloss on it all chipped. I want it white with a nice wallpaper on the wall of the shelves. I've had this bookcase since I was a baby and because it's so solid, I think it would be great to revive it. Would a heat gun be best to get the paint off? And after stripping, would I be better off sanding down completely before adding a primer? And I'm thinking about a wood paint. Silk or something...? Then I have some really nice wallpaper roll that needs glue. Would PVA work or should I use paste? As you may tell, I've done very minimal DIY in my life and would love some help to go step by step and any tips when using the tools would be welcome too. Thank you.

[@kraftyDevilX]

Was the damage on the front pre-existing or as a result from stripping or sanding?

[@6061lucky]

You are the hero beautiful lady. Look are a smart woman because you learned they just don’t make them like they used to . Refinishing as an art form and you’re learning it . Thanks for the video.

[@chitrabhatt2303]

Thank you for posting this video! In some future videos can you show how to do a wash technique for painting furniture, especially metallic colors wash..

[@prettylagoon]

I tried this on wood coffee table heavy. Under the many layers of paint on the sides is multicolored cardboard. Is wood underneath? On top the paint wont melt off. It does smoke like you said. Thank you. Its early 1970s.

[@brandy2378]

I make a huge messs with citristrip also. Im def going to try out the heat gun

[@bryancooker9926]

Hello, how are you doing, hope your staying safe?

[@chipolmstead9220]

Very awesome video; thank you for sharing!

[@asham1502]

Very useful video :) What sander did you use please? x

[@shadowcreekmusic528]

This dresser is made with Tiger wood just beautiful

[@Beruthiel45]

I agree with those who say You are the hero for doing all the work, but of course I like the heat gun just for the freedom from chemicals if nothing else. I must say that this also reinforces my reluctance to paint wood. Somewhere down the line someone will always want to strip it. 😊 I've got a stripping job in my future, just waiting for me to tackle if, but I can't complain. I was the one who painted it years ago. Oops. 😉

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Thanks for watching and your thoughts!

[@inspiritandintruth9118]

What would you recommend for stripping a Jenny Lind spindle bed? First time doing anything like this!

[@cb4435]

Very much appreciate this video--I can learn how to do a new thing AND see how it compares to another method. This video was a three-fer (how to use stripper, how to use a heat gun, and how the two compare). Love it.

[@ChristinaMuscari]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching Cory.

[@cleoburrows]

Can this be used to take off oil-based paint or lacquer finish?

[@ChristinaMuscari]

I believe so. You can check out Wagner's site for details.

[@musiclover2115]

I just did our baseboards with the stripper. It took multiple layers and I had to keep it on for several hours. It was an absolute mess. But I believe they’re was several layers of paint and the base was oil paint and top was latex. For the oil layer I’m probably just going to attempt to use the heat gun.

[@markt9438]

Nice Job !!! I am doing side molding floor boards ! Using stripper ! Sucks then a Light bulb came on found your vid to confirm !!! Yes doing this hope it does not hurt drywall ! Ugg

[@maureenlavallee1319]

heat gun, definately! will this work on a polyurethane finish?

[@ggryan1385]

Hi, if you wanna repaint the furniture, is it a must to get all the old paint off?

[@SSArcher11]

How do the costs compare, including the electricity?

[@olgacruz7198]

Love love love the finished product♡♡♡ where did u purchase the stencil type transfer

[@ChristinaMuscari]

It's ReDesgin by Prima Folk II. I should have a link to share soon.

[@kraftyDevilX]

Did this heat gun have a temperature setting in degrees and if so, what was it set to?

[@matthewsmith2432]

Hi, I'd be really grateful for advice on how you clean and prepare wood after using paint stripper. Mainly how you get rid of the stripper left on the wood. Thank you

[@jjdavis7320]

Isn't the heat stripper difficult to use on detailed parts like turns?

[@anastasiagarza4108]

Does the hot gun method work on laminate furniture?

[@tdogmom6128]

Great video. I used the citrus stripper for the first time and liked it but boy do I get the messy part. Think I’ll get a heat gun. Can you tell me where to find that transfer? I saw everything else above. But didn’t see that.

[@megh1684]

Do I need to strip latex-painted furniture if I am going to go over it with chalk paint? Can I just clean and scuff sand?

[@annestickney7371]

can't believe you painted over that beautiful tiger grain oak