1- Unfortunately, all painted surfaces are not smooth and even. For curved surfaces, cut-out areas and other hard-to-reach places, use chemical paint removers.

2- Paint around the spindles of a chair is especially hard to remove. Run a heavy layer of paint remover into the crack around the spindles (Fig. 1). Let it set for about 20 minutes, then scrape away the old paint and apply more remover as needed.

3- Apply paint remover to the legs of chairs, tables and other such round surfaces with a regular paint brush (Fig. 2). Set the legs of the chair in a small metal can or container to catch the surplus paint remover as it runs down the leg of the chair. Brush upward on the legs to reuse the surplus remover.

4- Use plenty of paint remover on rounded surfaces. Apply a heavy layer, let it set and remove and reapply as necessary until all the old paint or varnish is removed.

5- A scouring pad is excellent for removing paint or varnish from carved areas on furniture

(Fig. 3). Copper scouring pads or plastic cleaning pads can be forced into the carved areas to remove the old paint or varnish after it has been softened by paint remover. You can also use steel wool to remove old paint from such areas.

6 Always rinse the surface of carved areas after the old paint or varnish has been removed with a scouring pad.

7- When a scouring pad or steel wool cannot be forced into narrow slits or grooves, try using a brass wire brush (Fig, 4). Be careful not to press too hard when using the brush. Wood softened by paint remover can be marred if you apply too much pressure.

8- If a wire brush cannot reach into extremely small grooves, try scraping the paint out of the grooves with a small stick of wood (Fig. 5). A splintered piece of wood from a small board can often be used as a handy tool for removing old paint from grooves.

9- Removing paint from turned legs
on tables can be difficult (Fig. 6). Rub a twisted piece of burlap like a shoeshine cloth over the paint remover after it has set for about 20 minutes. This will usually remove the old paint quickly and easily.

10- Some surfaces cannot tolerate paint remover. For example, key holes or holes where cabinet hardware has been removed should be plugged with paper before you apply the paint remover.

11- You will probably replace your cabinet hardware with new hardware after the surface is repainted. However, if you want to reuse the old hardware, dip it into paint remover for complete cleaning (Fig. 8).

12- Wash the hardware thoroughly after it is dipped into the remover, then spray each piece with a clear lacquer to rebrighten the surface.