Removing Varnish from wood

[NASHURST]

How can I safely remove varnish from wood.

[ipek]

You could use a chemical stripper like Nitromors (I believe they do a special varnish one, but paint-stripper should work also), available from most DIY suppliers. It is caustic so you have to be careful to protect yourself and the surroundings.

Or you could use a hot-air gun, but also need to be careful, these are very good once you get used to using them and are more economical if you have loads to strip! If there are lots of mouldings, the chemical method is better for getting into the nooks and crannies, but messier.

Take yer pick!

[jakesi]

You could try fine wire wool and varnish remover. Worked for me.Ps use rubber gloves.

[coggles]

If it is a very large and/or intricate piece of furniture, you can take them to some furniture-makers or workshop and have them 'dipped'. (I think it is literally a case of dipping the piece in a solution that removes the varnish). My parents did this a few years ago with a fire surround. I can't remember how much it cost but you could always phone a few places.