Absolutely THE Best Way to Remove Paint From Spindles

How to remove paint from spindles in three NOT-so-easy steps.

What is THE best way to remove paint from spindles? Don't do it. You're welcome. That is all.

Still reading? OK, the next best way to remove paint from spindles? Hire someone else to do it. Whatever quote they give you, do not bat an eye; just pay them and know it is money well spent. Trust me they didn't charge you enough.

I found this table set at a thrift store and knew I would need to strip the paint. I didn't know just how much work it would be.

Still reading? Really? OK, before you read further please go back and re-read paragraphs 1 and 2. If you're still determined then I warn you it is a long, messy, and tedious process. I know -- trust me.

I knew when I bought the thrift store table that I would need to strip the paint as it was peeling and chipping. Typically with chalk paint you do not need to remove the current paint, but in this case it was necessary otherwise the fresh new paint would eventually chip, too. 

I don't know what type of paint this was, but it was STUBBORN. For the table top I used an orbit sander and three applications of Citristrip plus an additional sanding. It took many hours, so I knew the spindles were going to be a chore to say the least.


I don't know what kind of paint this was, but it was STUBBORN and tough to remove.

Needless to say I was a bit daunted by the spindles. Nevertheless I wanted to move the project forward, so I devised a plan to remove the paint using three NOT-so-easy steps.

I was daunted by the thought of removing the paint from the spindles.

The first not-so-easy step is to loosen and scrape the paint using a heat gun and a paint scraper / putty knife.

My secret weapon for the first step is using a heat gun.

The heat gun removed the majority of the paint, but there was still some paint remaining.

I'm making progress getting the paint removed after the first step.

The second not-so-easy step is to use 220-grit sand paper (I used a flexible pad so it was easier to grip it around the spindles) to remove the remaining paint. But as you can see there is still some residual paint.

Only small amounts of paint are left after sanding (step 2).

The third not-so-easy step is to apply CitriStrip and scrub the last of the remaining paint off with steel wool and a toothbrush for the little nooks and crannies.

For the third step I applied Citristrip.

And here's the "after" photo showing all the paint removed. All-in-all it took me many hours of work over the period of a few days to get all the paint removed.

Eureka! I was able to remove all of the paint down to the bare wood.

Would I do it again? No way! Unless there was an antique hiding underneath the paint and then I might consider it. But this particular project definitely wasn't worth the work involved. But life is full of lessons, so next time I will consider the amount of work a project will take before purchasing.

Removing paint from spindles is a messy business. But I have a plan if you're determined to do it.

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P.S. Here's a few shots of the newly finished table:

Table painted in Arles chalk paint.

Dark glaze over the Arles chalk paint settles into the nooks and crannies.

The spindles have a fresh new look.


Comments

  1. You are my hero. I am in a similar situation and you have the best article on the internet about spindles! Thanks!

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  2. I love the finished piece! Those spindles looked very daunting! I've also heard to apply the stripper and wrap the entire project in plastic wrap over night... the heavy duty kind you buy on a spool in the packing/moving supply section of Home Depot. It keeps the stripper from drying out and thus works better? Going to try both methods soon. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes using the plastic wrap should make the job easier. Good luck with your project!

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  3. It was definitely worth it! The finished product is beautiful! I plan to do the same with the spindles in my staircase, hope it works just as well, thank you for the tips :)

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  4. Planning on doing a set of vintage wood spindle bunk beds for the 18 inch dolls. I am going to try your process to make it work. they have been painted over several times and the paint is now chunky and not appealing. Based on the age and the fact they are wood, I am hoping to strip the paint and then stain the spindles. fine delicate work, but I think once it is done (I plan to give it to my granddaughter for Christmas) I am sure she will likely keep them for her children. Thank you for this article.

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    Replies
    1. It sounds like a big project, but the end results will be lovely. Good luck!

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  5. Planning on doing a set of vintage wood spindle bunk beds for the 18 inch dolls. I am going to try your process to make it work. they have been painted over several times and the paint is now chunky and not appealing. Based on the age and the fact they are wood, I am hoping to strip the paint and then stain the spindles. fine delicate work, but I think once it is done (I plan to give it to my granddaughter for Christmas) I am sure she will likely keep them for her children. Thank you for this article.

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  6. I like the first two ways.
    I am in the middle of removing paint from a little table that was my grandmother's never again!!!
    Thank for your great ideas.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kim! I am glad you found the information helpful. I think this was one of the most challenging projects that I worked on. Best of luck with your project!

      Delete

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