How to use CitriStrip: for easy stripping of old paint.
I wrote a great post about how to use CitriStrip effectively just like I have done in the past, but things often don't turn out the way you plan.I went to shoot a video of the process after writing the post but it didn't get the job done.
What to do?Do you want to scrap the video and pretend it didn't happen?My brother convinced me to share the reality of using CitriStrip rather than what I hoped it would do, which is why I was thinking of doing that.Most of the time, the products and techniques I show you on this website work, but sometimes they fail miserably.
That is what I have done.I will show you how to do it in the post, but you should watch the video at the end to see how it goes.
After 2 applications, the CitriStrip was useless against the oil primer underneath the 90 year old paint.Lesson learned for me and hopefully for you as well.Now onto the post!
Since there are so many ways to get the job done, paint stripping is one of my favorite topics.The techniques and materials are not the same across the country.You need to find a way that works for you.
There are three ways to remove paint.If you don't know where to start, I've written about each in the below posts.
CitriStrip is one of the best places to start if you know you are going to route of chemical strippers.
The skinny on CitriStrip.I like stripping delicate profiles with chemical strippers.When it comes to detail work, my ProScraper is almost useless because I can use it to strip flat pieces of wood in a flash.
CitriStrip is one of the best chemical paint strippers on the market.
Learning how to use CitriStrip effectively can make the process much simpler because it doesn't work as fast as the dangerous stuff.
CitriStrip can be used to remove multiple layers of latex paint from wood, metal, and masonry surfaces.CitriStrip is the only thing you can't get off with.
It is important to keep CitriStrip out of your eyes and skin because it is still a chemical that removes paint.Some basic precautions should be taken.
A thick coat is needed to work effectively.It will stop working if it is too thin.I use a disposable chip brush to apply a coat of stripper.If the surface is mostly orange, then you have enough.If you see most of the paint or varnish below, then you need to go a little thicker.
I have found that covering the surface with plastic can extend the working time of the stripper dramatically, if you have lots of coats of paint.It will work great if you use Saran wrap, painter's plastic or something similar.
The length of time depends on the number of coats of paint and the type of coating you are trying to strip.It can take up to 24 hours to remove the paint.A test patch is the best way to find the right time.
You are ready to start working after the working time is over.You can use a scraper or plastic knife to clean the surface.The Hyde Contour Scraper is great for detailed profiles, or you can use anything that fits the profile of the woodwork.
I use a hand brass wire brush on intricate door profiles.You won't damage the profile because it pulls the paint off easily.
Steel wool can be used in the stripping process to get the wood completely clean.You can use steel wool dipped in CitriStrip to clean the old primer out of the wood grain.If you Rub the steel wool and CitriStrip into the wood grain like applying wax to a car, you will get a clean wood that is ready for a varnish.
The best way to get the surface clean is to use some mineral spirits and steel wool.You can use steel wool and mineral spirits to scrub the surface and then wipe it off with a cotton rag.
You should be ready for painting now.You can dispose of the stripper and paint in the trash by wrapping it up and putting it in a regular trash bag.If CitriStrip sounds like something you would like to try, you can purchase it using my Amazon affiliate link.
Would you like to see the process in action?You can watch the video below to see the steps I described.If you subscribe to our channel you will be able to see all of the helpful videos we release so you can get a head start on your next project.
I like working with my hands and teaching others how to do it themselves.Everything can be taught if you only give it a chance.
I wondered if the liquid citristrip would work better than the gel.I have found that the gel formulas of cleaning products do not work as well as the liquid.It is almost like the gel does not allow the liquid to work.
Citristrip definitely changed its formula recently.I decided to share my experience after stripping my front door.
I bought a new container of Citristrip a few weeks ago.I have used it before on multi-layer paint stripping projects with great success.I thought this would be easy because my door only had one coat of paint.
It only removed a thin layer of the paint after the first application.I did another application after being surprised by this.It only removed another layer of the paint film.Same result for the third application.
I used up all of the Citristrip I had purchased.An old container of Citristrip was found after I searched my workshop shelves.It wouldn't hurt to try.
I noticed that the smell and consistency of the old product was different.The product was a bit runnier than the new stuff.I was happy to see that it began working on the stubborn paint that the newer product hadn't touched.
My door is now paint-free after the old Citristrip worked as expected.The old formula worked well and the company changed it.Maybe they will change it back if enough of us complain.We need to build a time machine.
Help!I am trying to remove the trim that has been painted at least 6 times.It takes 3 coats to put a very thick layer, saran wrap, and wait 20 hours.I think I have the same paint shown in the video.No other way to describe it.I was wondering if I would get to the rest of it after putting a second coat on without a scraper.Just resign myself to 3 rounds of work.
Tina used a soft brush.The stain was cleared away by it.It took 3 attempts before removing the stain completely with a brass brush.The piece I was working on had a lot of intricate details and was from the early 1900s.The CitriStrip was both wet and dry.I don't know how to attach a picture.
How do you clean the furniture after stripping it and using mineral spirits?Please help!
I use a paint called Fusion Minéral Paint.After washing it down, no rinsing!It is non-toxic.
I gave Citristrip a try and it was a failure.I covered my coat with plastic and left it for 10 hours.There are a few layers of paint where I am working.The first layer was taken off, but the paint underneath was completely untouched.I had a hard time cleaning off the scraper to get under the paint.After removing it with alcohol, it gunked up the pads.I don't think it's worth it to try a second coat because the paint that was showing in the spots where the latex had already let go of it was not something I would use again.I only tried a small area and will return the rest of the stripper.
Citristrip was the best paint/top coat removal I have ever used.I used it to remove some of the foam on my cabinets.I didn't even cover it with plastic after 45 minutes of stripping it off.It was cleaner than anything I've used before.The product I purchased a second bottle of was the worst I have ever used.I called the manufacturer to find out what was happening with the product.The formula was changed at the beginning of 2020.They go from the best product on the market to the worst product.Citristrip worked the worst out of all the products and was tied for the last worst to clean up.I went to a lot of hardware stores to see if anyone still had the old formula of Citristrip.I found a bottle of the old formula that worked well.After using their original formula, I thought it would be easy to remove the Polyurethane from my cabinets, but it has turned into a pain in the butt.I can't find anything that worked as well as Citristrips original formula.I have been trying to leave a complaint on the Citristrips website for the last month but they have removed the link.I think they have received so many complaints about their new formula that they will not hear any more.Don't waste your money on this formula because it doesn'T work.!
I want to keep the third layer of paint, which I took off with the help of CitrusStrip.When I get off the first two layers, will mineral spirits be used to clean away the waxy remnants left over, and also remove the decorative layer of paint I want to keep?Should I use something less harsh to preserve the final layer of paint?
As far as I could tell, my wife bought an old steel bedstead covered with 3 coats of different paints.I bought Citistrip at my local box store because of the ad that said it works on metal, dissolved multiple layers of paint and works in 15 minutes.After two days of heavy coats of stripper and following the instructions on the bottle, I am finally seeing metal.The rest will be returned to the box store.!
Has anyone ever tried to use this to get paint out of a flannel shirt?
acetone can be found in the nail polish section of any drug store.Rub off the paint from your flannel with a cotton ball or acetone.
Help!I used this Citristrip on the buffet.I thought I would try to clean it with mineral spirits because it didn't get the varnish off and was sticky.It is even more sticky now.I am about to die.Will it be dry enough to just sand it off?
You probably need to do another coat or two of Citristrip.I did an old wardrobe for the first time and it was sticky.The process was no longer sticky.I am considering a 4th round to get more of the stain off.Did not get to you too late, hope this helps.
I wanted to do a winter project, so I decided to paint an old furniture piece.I started with one drawer and it is now a sticky mess, so I am going to sand the whole thing down and paint it.I don't have the patience for Ciristrip.
The best thing to do with an old piece of furniture is to use denatured alcohol and lacquer thinner.There are two bowls ready, one with Steel wool and the other with a T-shirt.It works well if you clean with steel wool and then wipe it up with a T-shirt.This is not for furniture that is painted.It takes off the varnish and leaves the original color.
I used it on the walls of my house and it turned a terrible yellow.I have a hard time getting the CitriStrip off the wood.There are tons of things.It takes a long time to get Mineral Spirits.Help.!
This is fascinating.I stripped some closet doors from my 1964 house in FL and got down to the exact same grey color with the same white underneath.The citristrip took off the top three layers but the grey layer was resistant.I was able to peel it off with a razor blade scraper, but the bottom of the white layer was still there.I am going to paint over them anyways.I tried to clean up the mess with the afterwash stuff, but it left a trail of paint around.It was wiped down with mineral spirits so I hope it doesn't have any stripper residuals.