Part II - The Discovery

    At this point you must decide what type of chemical you will be using to remove the old finish. 

    I have found  much useful information regarding this process at Lowes How to Library and the different products available can be found at Lowes Buyers Guide.
   
    I personally have found that the best product for me is CITRISTRIP.  Citristrip is a less toxic alternative to some of the more caustic strippers. 

  Protect our environment! You must always keep in mind that these products need to be used carefully and the waste disposed of properly. The following web site discusses this most important issue.  What you should know about using paint strippers.

    When removing the old finish on pieces with many curves or spindles, those difficult to get to groves, a piece of heavy twine coated with the stripper is helpful or fine steel wool stretched out to a rope also works well.

    Once you have removed the old layers and exposed the beauty beneath, you must decide how you will complete your project.  Continue on to Part III  - The Finished Project.