Do it! Strip painted wood doors

1 Before getting started, check the paint you’re stripping doesn’t contain lead pigments. Use a lead testing kit – if the result is positive, use a chemical stripper. 2 Apply the paint stripper using an old paintbrush (wear protective gloves and goggles). Leave for the recommended length of time in the product instructions. 3 Use a flat-headed scraper to scrape off the paint and reveal the bare wood, and a shave hook to remove paint from any mouldings. 4 Following the product instructions, work either white spirit or water into the stripped surface with a cloth to remove the stripping chemical solution. Sand the door to finish.