How to remove layers of old varnish and paint.

The best remover to use in stripping old paint and varnish from furniture is methylene chloride stripper.  This can be purchased at Lowes or any hardware store.  Usually the more expensive it is the better it works.  One of the old standbys that I've used over the years is "Stripeez." It's orange in color and clings well to vertical surfaces when  necessary, plus it not all that expensive like some of the epoxy strippers. Its a messy job so you'll want to wear rubber gloves and wear eye protection because it is very caustic and could blind you if you were to get it in your eyes.

1. First thing is to spread the chemical out on the piece in a small section not to get to far ahead of yourself.  Flow the chemical on with a good brush and kinda glop it on and not spread it out to much like you do when you apply latex paint.
2. After it has set there for 5-10 mins then you will want to take a stiff putty knife with a chisel end to remove it a little section at a time.  The reason you use a stiff putty knife is that a bendable putty knife can easily gouge the wood and make a mess.  Keep stripping a little bit at a time until you finally get the piece as clean as possible.
3. Now you need to wash the piece with a cloth rag and a solvent such as Lacquer thinner or Acetone.  This will remove the residue that is left by the paint stripper and will make you sanding much easier plus the wood will be clean and down to the natural wood. 
4. Keep repeating the steps above until you have your piece clean and can start getting it ready for finishing.

Another Solution Is !

Bring the piece to me and let a professional do it !

I've been removing paint and varnish for over 33 years and can save you time and money in the long run.  Most of the time just the chemical to clean something at home can cost as much as what Id charge you to strip it with my flow-over system.  Call today for prices and all the details !

Tim's Furniture Restorations

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540-992-4660