Owning wood furniture brings elegance and a timeless allure to a room. However, if you’re totally clueless about removing the old paint to recoat a new stain, this article is for you!
There are many ways to accomplish this, including the use of Citristrip. To help you out, our paint experts detail how to use Citristrip stripping gels for your next project.
What is Citristrip?
A Citristrip stripping gel is an orange-colored paint stripping gel. A thick coat of Citristrip is not formulated to constitute methylene chloride or NMP. It is non-caustic and can be used indoors and outdoors.
It has a pleasant citrusy smell compared to any other type of paint stripper that emits a strong and harsh smell. Its primary ingredient is citrus acid.
It acts as the organic solvent which dissolves paint layers or any wood stain from wooden surfaces and metal and masonry surfaces.
This particular stripper gel stays active for approximately 24 hours. A Citristrip gel is a good product to use when removing thick layers of shriveled-up latex, chalk paint, lacquer, shellac, polyurethane, wood stain, and oil-based paint from metal and wooden furniture surfaces.
What You Need to Know About Using Citristrip
Before using this product on your wood furniture, here are a few things you need to know about Citristrip gel.
- Citristrip is the top choice among woodworkers, especially for eliminating thickset layers of old paint from different surfaces.
- Make sure to keep the Citristrip wet. This is necessary for it to work. You can use plastic wrap to seal the furniture to keep the product moist.
- Make sure to apply a generous amount of the product on the surface.
- A citrus stripper will not emit harsh fumes compared to other strippers. When applying this product, you will get a pleasant citrus scent.
- The Citristrip is environmentally friendly and does not contain methylene chloride.
- This particular stripping gel can be applied on a vertical and horizontal surface. This application is possible since it has a thick consistency that will not easily run off.
- It is less expensive compared to other chemical strippers.
- Citristrip is non-caustic, safe to use, and will not destroy the surface.
What is Paint Stripping?
Paint stripping is basically stripping paint from any surface. It involves a combination of chemicals, heat, and physical removal of any finish like a wood stain on a surface. If you would like to strip paint using chemicals, you might want to consider using a Citristrip.
Using Citristrip Stripping Gels on Your Furniture and Surfaces
Learning how to use Citristrip stripping gel on your wood furniture and other surfaces can help you revitalize old painted furniture making it paint-free.
This process will also reveal the wood underneath. However, before embarking on this process, here are a few safety reminders to consider.
Getting Started: Safety First
Make sure that you have all the necessary safety equipment ready. Even if Citrisrtip is formulated to contain an organic solvent, it is still regarded as a chemical stripper. Using a Citristrip can still irritate if it comes into contact with your eyes and skin.
- Wear proper safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes and spills
- Use a pair of nitrile gloves to protect your hands from the stripper
- Work in an open and well-ventilated area. Make sure to wear a respirator designed with a filter cartridge.
- Separate the moveable parts before starting the process.
Essential Supplies You’ll Need for Stripping Furniture
1. Citristrip and varnish-stripping gel
2. Paper towels
3. Saran wrap
4. Mask or respirator
5. Painter’s tape
6. Drop cloth
7. Chemical splash goggles
8. Paint brush
9. Wire brush
10. Odorless mineral spirits or paint stripping after wash
11. Steel wool
12. Plastic putty knife or paint scraper
13. Metal container
14. Chemical resistant gloves
Step #1: Ready Your Work Station and Project Surface
Prepare your workstation and project surface. Make sure to line or cover a carpenter’s plastic or a drop cloth on the floor. You can also place this material around the old furniture you wish to work on. This will collect the extra product that can spill over during the whole process.
Step #2: Start Applying the Citristrip Stripping Gel
Apply a liberal amount of the Citristrip stripping gel. A thick coat will allow the gel to work effectively. A thin application will dry the product out quickly.
If you use a Citristrip spray, apply thick coats on the surface. If you are using a gel, you can apply it using a paint brush. If you are short on time, you can pour it directly on the surface.
- Apply the stripper to the surface
- Apply more coats and make sure that you have enough coats to keep it wet.
- Check if you can still see the varnish; if so, you will need to apply more coats of the product
- Check the surface every 30 minutes.
- Using a putty knife, you will need to check a small area if the finish can be easily removed. If not, let the surface be for a few more minutes.
Step #3: Cover the Surface with Plastic
If you are away for a few hours, you will need to cover the surface with plastic. You can use a saran wrap to cover and keep the product wet.
Step #4: Let it Sit and Observe
Allow Citristrip to sit for approximately a few hours. The number of coats and type of finish you are attempting to strip dictates the amount of time to dissolve the finish. It can take anywhere from 30 mins to 24 hours to accomplish this. Observe the surface after this.
Step #5: Get Rid of the Old Finish
Once enough time has passed, and the surface is ready, you can remove the old finish, such as paint or wood stain. Use your putty knife to begin scraping off the old finish. As you go through this process, you will make quite a mess. The old finish should easily be scraped off.
Make sure to clean your putty knife or paint scraper in between removing the old finish. Use your steel wool or bristle brush to remove any remaining finish in hard-to-reach areas.
There are a few places that need more attention. Go over these hard-to-reach areas by rubbing fine steel wool [1] into the gran. This way, you can remove most of the paint residue.
Step #6: Tidy Up Citristrip and Remove Rough Patches
Once you have successfully removed most of the finish or the old paint, you will be left with furniture that may feel sticky. You can use a cloth dipped in mineral spirits to clean Citristrip residue from the surface. Allow the surface to dry off.
You might be interested in: Can Vinegar Strip Paint Off Wood?
Step #7: Sand and Reapply the Stain or Leave it As it is
Once the surface has been cleaned and allowed to dry off completely, use an orbital sander to smoothen and even it out. This step helps prepare the piece for a new application of paint or stain. Remove the sawdust using a clean and dry cloth or paper towel. For better results, use any of these top-rated orbital sandpapers discs here!
Another option after sanding is to leave the surface as it is.
When Should You Use Citristrip?
You can use this stripper if you want to strip wood furniture of thick multiple layers of paint found on the surface of your furniture or other surfaces. Aside from transforming your dark stained wood lighter, you can use Citristrip gel if you are facing the following situations:
- Your wood furniture has lots of stubborn paint as well as a paint thick layer of finish you would like to remove in one go.
- If you are sensitive to strong-smelling chemicals, you should use a Citristrip instead rather than other paint strippers. It emits a nice citrus smell when applied to wood furniture.
- You have wood furniture with an existing finish and want to reveal the back wood.
- If you own wood furniture with many intricate nooks and details that sanding cannot reach.
Top Paint Stripper for Wood Doors and Furniture: Citristrip
Citristrip is one of the top paint strippers for wood doors and furniture. A Citristrip paint stripper has a noninvasive chemical smell once applied to surfaces. It emits a citrus smell instead. Furthermore, due to its non-pungent formulation, it’s highly recommended for indoor use.
However, one downside to using Citristrips is that it does strip furniture slower than other chemical strippers or a paint stripping gel. In addition, Citristrip tends to be a messy process.
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FAQ
What happens if you leave Citristrip on too long?
Nothing detrimental will happen if you apply Citristrip and leave it on too long. You can leave the Citristrip as long as you want when stripping paint. However, make sure that the paint stripper remains wet throughout this period.
Can you sand right after Citristrip?
You can sand right after Citristrip if the surface is clean and dry.
When should I opt for Citristrip?
You can opt for Citristrip when you want to remove layers of paint or finish all in one application. It is very effective when stripping paint from a surface.
Will Citristrip work on metal?
A Citristrip can work on metal. A Citristrip is an all-purpose stripping gel that is efficient in removing layers upon layers of varnish, oil-based paint, latex paint, lacquer, polyurethane, acrylics, epoxy, and enamel.
What should I use to clean up after using Citristrip?
You can use a dip of fine wire sponge and some mineral spirits to clean up after using Citristrip. This can effectively remove traces of varnish or paint. Then wipe off the exterior with a clean and dry cloth.
Do I need to use mineral spirits after stripping off the paint?
Using mineral spirits after stripping paint is totally up to you. On the plus side, mineral spirits can effectively clean the surface, but on the other hand, it is a bit expensive.
Conclusion
Owning antiquated furniture pieces can either be considered a delight or another job. Whether you’re a professional or a DIYer, learning how to use Citristrip stripping gel is essential.
When faced with a lot of layers of old finish from beautiful pieces of furniture may sound like a lot of work, but it’s all well worth it when you learn how to strip the surface. So we hope this article has given you useful ways for removing old finishes!
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