A G. Michael's craftsperson stripping paint from wood furniture

Fort Collins restoration studio Furniture stripping

Furniture stripping,
back to an honest surface.

Controlled removal of paint, varnish and failed coatings before repair, color and finish work begin.

Remove the coating without losing the furniture beneath it.

Stripping is a preparation step, not an outcome by itself. We choose the removal approach around the coating, wood, veneer and next finish.

01

Paint removal

Lift old paint systems while protecting profiles, carvings and useful wood surface.

02

Varnish & lacquer removal

Remove failing clear coatings that are brittle, cloudy, peeling or incompatible.

03

Previous refinishing corrections

Clear uneven color, heavy buildup and earlier coating failures before rebuilding.

04

Carved & detailed surfaces

Work through moldings, turnings and ornament without flattening the original detail.

05

Veneered furniture

Adjust the method around thin decorative surfaces and vulnerable edges.

06

Preparation for color change

Create a consistent base for a new stain, clear finish or painted direction.

Removal is measured.
Not rushed.

A stripped wood surface being prepared by hand in G. Michael's studio
  1. 01

    Identify

    We evaluate the coating, substrate, veneer, damage and intended next finish.

  2. 02

    Test

    A controlled area confirms how the finish responds and where extra care is required.

  3. 03

    Strip

    Coatings are removed in stages, with detailed areas and edges handled deliberately.

  4. 04

    Neutralize & prepare

    Residue is removed and the surface is prepared for repair, color and finish work.

The old coating removed. The useful material preserved.

Drag the handle to compare an antique dresser before stripping and after restoration.

Antique dresser after refinishing by G. Michael'sAntique dresser stripped before finish restorationBeforeAfter

Project Antique dresser

Work Strip, prepare & refinish

Explore selected work

Good refinishing begins with disciplined removal.

01

Coating-specific approach

Removal is selected around what is on the piece and what lies beneath it.

02

Detail preservation

Edges, carvings and veneer are treated as vulnerable design elements, not obstacles.

03

One continuous process

Stripping, repair, color and finish decisions remain coordinated in the same studio.

Furniture stripping is completed at our Fort Collins restoration studio as part of approved repair and refinishing projects; Denver serves as a showroom and intake point only.

Before your piece comes into the studio.

Is stripping appropriate for every piece of furniture?

No. The existing finish, veneer, construction and project goal determine whether full stripping, localized removal or conservation is the better approach.

Will stripping damage carvings or veneer?

Professional removal is adjusted around fragile surfaces. We test the coating and work through detailed areas deliberately to reduce unnecessary loss.

Can stripped furniture be left unfinished?

Bare wood is vulnerable to moisture, stains and handling. Stripping is normally followed by repair, color and a protective finish.

Can painted furniture return to a natural wood finish?

Sometimes. The result depends on the wood beneath the paint, staining, repairs and whether earlier coatings penetrated the surface.

Do you strip furniture at the customer's home?

No. Furniture stripping and related preparation work are performed at our Fort Collins restoration studio.

How do I request an estimate?

Send clear photos of the full piece, the existing coating, any damage and approximate dimensions. We will recommend the right next step.

Request an estimate

Start with
a few photos.

Show the full piece, the areas that need attention and anything you want preserved. We’ll review the project and recommend a practical next step.

  1. 01Full-piece photos
  2. 02Condition close-ups
  3. 03Approximate dimensions
You’ll add your project photo securely on the next step.