Replies

1. 
   RickL | Dec 29, 2006 07:27pm | #1

   Check breaktime. I've seen some articles on stripping in FHB. Don't think it comes up too often in FWW in regards to furniture.

   http://silentpaintremover.com/spr/comparisons.htm

2. 
   JohnWW | Dec 30, 2006 02:09am | #2

   Why not just make up treads out of construction grade lumber and then send out the walnut treads to be professionally stripped?

   John W.

1. 
   wdrite | Dec 31, 2006 10:09pm | #7

   Hadn't really thought of that John.   I may end up doing just that.  Thanks.

3. 
   Omah | Dec 30, 2006 05:58am | #3

   Be carefull with the lead,I think the least noxious way to strip it is with a chemical stripper. Any other way and your releaseing it into the atmosphere where it's easier to get into someones lungs and subsequently into the bloodstream.

4. 
   glasswd | Dec 30, 2006 08:22am | #4

   I know I'm probaby going to catch you know what from the purists that lie in wait  here in knots just waiting for something like this (I can almost feel them ready to pounce) but it's worth it for you to try  REDI-STRIP the stuff they advertise on tv. I used it on a hundred year old entry door which had at least over a dozen layers of varnish then multiple layers of paint and damn if that stuff didn't work like magic. I followed directions and only needed one application. It's totally safe and doesn't stink up the place.  I'm pretty sure the web site is http://www.REDI-STRIPtv  Good Luck!

5. 
   Gretchen | Dec 30, 2006 08:26pm | #5

   If I am reading correctly you have a relatively easy flat surface to strip. Strippers can be noxious but if you work quickly in good ventilation, the job will get done quickly and be over. Use a methylene chloride stripper. 
   I think you are lucky that the paint came off of  your walnut--it must have had a coat of shellac to keep it out of the pores.

   When you strip you must be patient and let the stripper do its work. Since you are removing them to do it, put the stripper on heavily (don't paint it on--flow it on) and cover with saran wrap to keep it "wet". Remove the sludge with a dull putty knife. Dispose of this responsibly if you think it is lead based paint. Scraping and sanding this is MUCH more hazardous than the stripper--airborne lead.

   As for the redi-strip. Long years ago and another product, on a finishing board, a guy who was actually on the infomercial said it was all a scam. But this person says it works.  Some of these do work on VERY specific types of paint. Even duct tape will remove paint in some cases--have seen that done.  I think this might be similar, but if the paint is really bonded, it will need a stripper--in my opinion.

   Gretchen
1. 
   wdrite | Dec 31, 2006 10:06pm | #6

   Thanks for the info but I don't plan to use methylene chloride if I can get it done any other way.