How to strip paint from old laminate furniture?

[livyjune97]

Hi there, I’m just wondering what I can use to strip paint from an old laminate sideboard without damaging the laminate? 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @livyjune97. It's amazing to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about removing paint.

Is it laminated timber or a plastic/melamine laminate? Most older furniture is a thin timber veneer over lower grade plywood or particleboard.

If it's a timber veneer, you can use a paint stripper, but it will likely remove any varnish on the timber as well. You'll also need to sand the furniture to remove any paint/varnish remnants. Since the veneer is exceptionally thin, you need to be very careful that you don't sand through it. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Jason]

Hi @livyjune97,

Let me also extend a very warm welcome to the community. 

I trust Mitch's response was helpful. Perhaps you could share a few photos of your furniture so we can see what you are working with. It would also be great to see some after photos when you are done - our members would love to see what you can achieve with the project.

Thanks,

Jason