Three Step Paint Stripping & Wood Restoration Tutorial

If you’ve been with us for a while, you already know that wood stripping is our jam. But for those new here, let us reintroduce ourselves.

Eight years ago, we bought our first home together in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. For two guys who had spent over a decade in NYC, owning a brownstone had always felt like a far-off dream—until it wasn’t.

Back then, before we became “The Brownstone Boys,” we were simply two guys in their first brownstone. While we’d each dabbled in smaller renovations—Barry redid his condo, and Jordan helped design ice cream shops—we suddenly found ourselves immersed in a full-scale renovation of a historic home. One thing was clear: preserving its original character was non-negotiable.

This was the beginning of our wood-stripping journey. With four floors covered in layers of paint, we dove in headfirst. Over the years, we’ve tackled more than 20 historic homes across New York, and restoring original woodwork has become the cornerstone of our designs.

Whether you’re restoring intricate woodwork in a historic home or giving new life to a furniture piece, we’re here to help. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to wood strip, including everything you’ll need.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

1. Gloves: Use two layers—latex gloves under cloth gloves. The cloth gives you a better grip, and the latex protects against chemical seepage.
2. Respirator: Choose one that covers your mouth and nose. It’s essential for filtering harmful fumes from stripping chemicals and protecting you from potential lead particles.
3. Lead Testing Kit: Always test old paint for lead before starting. If lead is present, consider hiring a professional for removal or using lead-safe practices (e.g., specific PPE and tools).

Pro Tip: If your project involves extensive lead paint, consult local regulations for proper disposal and containment methods.

Tools for the Job

For DIYers:

• Heat gun: This will seriously cut down your scrubbing time!
• Steel wool: Steel wool is excellent for broader areas.
• Tarp/plastic sheets: We can’t stress this enough, COVER YOUR FLOORS! The last thing you want to do is look down to realize you’ve created another project for yourself in the middle of your first one.
• Wire brush: A wire brush is going to be your best friend for the more detailed sections.
• Scraper: What you can’t scrub away, you can usually scrape away.
• Cheesecloth or sponge: Clean as you go!
• Stripwell (stripping chemical): (Use code BROWNSTONEBOYS for a discount!)
• Denatured alcohol
• Paintbrush

For Professionals:

• Everything listed above, but swap Stripwell for Benco B7 for a more aggressive stripper.

Step 1: Prep is Everything

Before diving in, get your PPE on, lay down a tarp to catch debris, and organize your tools.

Using a heat gun can save significant time on areas with thick paint or varnish. Gently move the gun over the surface to soften the layers. Be cautious—heat guns can scorch wood if left in one spot too long.

After heat-gunning, wipe away loose paint with a cheesecloth or sponge. Always test a small area with your stripper first to ensure compatibility with the wood.

Step 2: Apply Your Stripper

The stripping process depends on the product you’re using, and your next steps will change slightly depending on whether you’re using Stripwell or Benco B7.

For DIYers (using Stripwell):

1. Spray Stripwell directly onto the surface until it’s saturated.
2. Spread the chemical evenly with a sponge or cheesecloth.
3. Let sit for 20 minutes, then reapply as needed.

For Professionals (using Benco B7):

1. Apply Benco B7 with a paintbrush using even strokes.
2. Allow the chemical to sit for 10-15 minutes.

Note: Work in small sections to maintain control over the process.

Step 3: Scrub Down

Once the stripper has done its job, it’s time to scrape and scrub.

1. Begin by wiping away softened paint or varnish with a sponge or cheesecloth.
2. Use steel wool for broad surfaces and a wire brush for intricate details like moldings or carvings.
3. For stubborn spots, combine scraping tools with elbow grease.

You may need to repeat steps 2 and 3 for areas with multiple layers of paint. Don’t rush—this step ensures you reach the bare wood underneath.

Clean The Surface

After revealing the wood’s natural beauty, it’s crucial to clean the surface thoroughly:

1. Use a sponge or cheesecloth to remove any remaining paint, varnish, or chemical residue.
2. Apply denatured alcohol to neutralize the stripper and prepare the wood for finishing.

Dispose of used chemicals, tarps, and PPE responsibly. Take everything outside to avoid lingering fumes

Finish The Wood

Congratulations! You’ve stripped your wood back to its original glory. Before finishing, consider sanding lightly for a smoother texture and applying a wood conditioner or stain to enhance the grain. We’ll make sure to get a follow up blog post all about matte finishes and preferred stains in the near future!

We’d love to see your transformations! Tag us on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube with your wood-stripping projects and we can’t wait to celebrate your success!

Restoring wood is an art that preserves history and adds warmth to your space. With a little patience and the right tools, you’ll uncover treasures hidden under years of paint in one, two, three! Happy stripping!