Citristrip®

Work in Enclosed Space

Step 1: Set up

Pour the Citristrip Safer Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel into the metal container.

If you are working with a piece of furniture or other object that has removable pieces of hardware, such as handles or other ornaments, remove these first and set them aside.

Step 2: Lay it on thick

Brush an even, liberal coat of stripper gel, at least 1/8" thick, to a small area (up to 9 sq. ft.) Use short strokes in one direction only. Make sure to use the tips of your brush to work the stripper gel into the recesses of the wood.

Step 3: Check progress

After 30 minutes, you should start to see the chemical reaction happening. The paint will start to bubble up and swell, and this will show that the finish is separating itself from the surface. Scrape a small test area to see if the finish is softened and ready for removal. If not, wait an additional 30 minutes and check again. Citristrip remains workable for up to 24 hours, so take your time.

Step 4: Remove finish and Citristrip

Remove loosened finish by gently scraping in direction of wood grain with the plastic stripping tool. Use the orange stick or stripping brush to scrape out old finish buried in recesses. Continue to alternately scrape and wipe with cloths as you progress.

Step 5: Wipe away residue

By now, you should be seeing the fresh, clean surface emerging from beneath all that old finish. Use a clean abrasive pad dipped in Citristrip Paint Stripper After Wash or Klean-Strip Odorless Mineral Spirits to loosen remaining stubborn bits of paint. When the wood looks clear of all finish, clean the surface of all residue with soft cloths dipped in Citristrip Paint Stripper After Wash. The surface should be completely clean and dry before refinishing.

After each work session, place all rags, applicators, and old-finish residue in a well-ventilated area. Allow liquid to evaporate and residue to dry outdoors then dispose of in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.

If you need assistance, please contact a technical services representative at 800-398-3892, or email us at Citristrip@wmbarr.com.

1. Read the instructions

Always read all cautions and directions on the product label before beginning a project. You should understand all aspects of the projects before you begin. You can also print this project plan and bring it along with you to the job site.

2. Prepare the work area

For best results, use chemicals in temperatures between 65° and 85°F. Open all windows and doors and use a fan to maintain a cross ventilation of moving fresh air across the work area. Protect surrounding areas with a heavy plastic drop cloth. Tape off painted areas around the wood you’re stripping.

3. Ready to begin

When you are ready to get started, put on your chemical splash goggles and solvent-resistant gloves. Make sure you have soft rags within easy reach for clean-up during the project.

If the wood you are working on has a lot of intricate detail, pointed wooden orange sticks make great tools for detail. Available at drugstores, they allow you to scrape stain and varnish out of detailed recesses in sculpted areas of wood.