Furniture Paint Removal
Safely strip paint from antique, heritage, and modern furniture using the Peel Away system. Gentle on wood, tough on paint — restore your furniture without damaging the substrate.
VIEW PRODUCTSFURNITURE RESTORATION
What Is Furniture Paint Removal?
Furniture paint removal is the process of safely stripping old paint, varnish, and stain from wooden, metal, and veneered furniture to restore the original surface or prepare it for refinishing. Unlike walls and exteriors, furniture requires a more delicate approach — the substrates are often thin, valuable, and irreplaceable.
The Peel Away system is ideal for furniture restoration because it uses a gentle chemical paste that breaks down paint without sanding, scraping, or heat. This means no dust, no fumes, and no damage to the underlying wood grain, veneer, or joints.
Layers removed in one application
Dust, fumes, or airborne particles
Years of proven results in NZ
WHY PEEL AWAY
Why Peel Away Is Best for Furniture
Traditional paint removal methods can permanently damage furniture. Peel Away's contained paste system is the safe alternative.
No Sanding Damage
Sanding removes the top layer of timber, including the dense, weather-resistant heartwood that gives antique furniture its character. Peel Away preserves the original surface.
No Heat Damage
Heat guns can scorch timber, warp veneers, and release toxic lead fumes from old paint. Peel Away works at room temperature with no heat risk.
Safe for Veneers
Veneered furniture has a thin layer of premium timber over a substrate. Aggressive strippers can lift or dissolve veneer adhesive. Peel Away 8 is gentle enough for delicate veneers.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Best Products for Furniture
Choose the right Peel Away product based on your furniture type and the paint layers you need to remove.
Peel Away 8
Recommended for most furniture
Peel Away 1
For thick, old paint build-up
Using Peel Away 1 on furniture?
Peel Away 1 is alkaline and must be neutralised after use on wood surfaces before repainting or staining. Use Peel Away Neutraliser to return the surface to a neutral pH.
View Peel Away Neutraliser →STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
How to Strip Paint from Furniture
Follow this systematic approach for safe and effective paint removal from furniture pieces.
Assess & Test
- • Identify paint type and age
- • Check for lead (pre-1970)
- • Test on inconspicuous area
- • Choose Peel Away 1 or 8
- • Determine dwell time
Prepare Surface
- • Clean dirt and grease
- • Remove hardware and fittings
- • Protect surrounding areas
- • Wear gloves and PPE
- • Work in ventilated space
Apply & Wait
- • Apply paste 3-4mm thick
- • Cover with laminated sheet
- • Smooth out air bubbles
- • Tape edges for seal
- • Leave 24-72 hours
Remove & Finish
- • Peel sheet and paint together
- • Wash surface with water
- • Neutralise if using Peel Away 1
- • Allow to dry thoroughly
- • Sand lightly, stain or repaint
FURNITURE TYPES
Furniture We Can Restore
Peel Away is effective on a wide range of furniture types and materials, from delicate antiques to robust industrial pieces.
Antique & Heritage
Rimu, kauri, totara, and other native timbers common in New Zealand heritage furniture.
- • Victorian and Edwardian pieces
- • Art Deco furniture
- • Church and civic furniture
- • Heritage dining tables and chairs
Veneered Furniture
Thin premium timber veneers over substrate. Requires gentle, pH-neutral Peel Away 8.
- • Walnut and oak veneers
- • Mid-century modern pieces
- • Cabinet doors and panels
- • Marquetry and inlay work
Metal Furniture
Steel, cast iron, and aluminium furniture with industrial or decorative coatings.
- • Cast iron garden benches
- • Steel filing cabinets
- • Aluminium outdoor settings
- • Industrial shelving and racks
Kitchen Cabinetry
Painted kitchen cupboards, drawers, and cabinet doors that need stripping before repainting.
- • Solid timber cabinet doors
- • MDF and composite cupboards
- • Pantry and shelving units
- • Kitchen islands and bench fronts
Clocks & Ornaments
Delicate items with intricate details and hard-to-reach areas that require careful application.
- • Grandfather clock cases
- • Mantel clocks
- • Carved wooden ornaments
- • Picture and mirror frames
Lead Paint Furniture
Furniture painted before 1970 may contain lead. Peel Away safely contains lead particles within the paste for safe disposal.
- • Old cots and children's furniture
- • Vintage painted chairs
- • Pre-1970 painted dressers
- • Heritage painted trunks
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about stripping paint from furniture with Peel Away.
Restore Your Furniture Safely
Whether you are restoring a family heirloom, an antique find, or a painted dresser, Peel Away provides the gentle yet effective paint removal that furniture demands.
Get Started Today
Questions about your furniture project?
Our team can advise on the best product, dwell time, and technique for your specific furniture piece.