3 Tips when using Citristrip and my ‘kinda newish’ office credenza

I love what a little Citristrip, brass hardware and fresh paint did to our 30 ish year old dresser. Here’s 3 tips when using Citristrip on furniture that will insure a beautiful and successful outcome on your furniture project.

This isn’t the first time I have used Cirtristip Stripping Gel to remove layers of paint. I used it on the cabinet in the Dining Room and absolutely loved the way it worked. This also isn’t the first time that this dresser, which my husband brought into our union 25 years ago (he had it years before that, good ole Broyhill) got a makeover.

I painted it a light blue 20 years ago, a navy blue 10 years ago and white 1 year ago.

When I decided to paint my walls a dark navy, I had my eye on this piece, although I just couldn’t justify spending the cash (it’s still in the cart though). I decided to just give it a couple coats of white paint and some new brass handles. After looking at it in my office for a bit, it really wasn’t the look I was going for. Que up the Citristrip.

exposed wood top and white body dresser with brass handles

3 Tips when using Citristrip

Besides the fact that using Citritrip is so very easy to use, it also has a pleasant citrus smell. This is important if you are like me and doing the refinish right there in your space in the house. Here’s 3 easy tips I follow when using Citristrip Stripping gel to remove the layers of paint from a piece of furniture.

Prepare your area

As with any refinishing or paint removal project you want to make sure your area is properly secure and ready for removal. Citristrip is a paint and varnish remover, so make sure your floors and walls are covered up and protected.

Have patience

As hard as it will be, try to wait the recommended time before removing the paint residue from the furniture. Apply the Citristrip, cover with plastic and walk away and come back later. Not jumping the gun and immediately starting to scrap off the paint will definitely save you time and product should you need to reapply. Trust me on this one.

Have the right tools

In addition to the Citristrip Stripping gel, have plenty of plastic wrap, a paint brush to apply the gel, plenty of rags or paper towels and a decent scraper (sharper is not always better). Be sure to use a gentle approach when removing the gel or your scraper may gouge your wood. If your furniture piece has little nooks and trim detail, use a good wire brush and mineral spirits to get the excess paint removed.

top of dresser refinished with Citristrip

When I was finished removing all the paint I didn’t like how orange the wood was looking so I applied a white wash stain on top to cut down the orange hue.

finished wood top using citristrip stripping gel

corner of white dresser, exposed legs and top with brass hardware

And just when I thought I was all finished and cleaned up, I decided to tackle the feet and expose the wood there as well. Took a bit more time but so happy how this piece turned out and for all the money I have saved….for now anyways.

Shop the products that I used for this project:

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