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Dale’s Furniture Refinishing

Furniture Refinishing Services

Furniture Stripping in Saint Paul, MN

Careful hand stripping that removes old paint and varnish without damaging the wood underneath.

Hand furniture stripping in Saint Paul, MN by Dale's Furniture Refinishing

Furniture stripping in Saint Paul, MN is the essential first step to bringing painted or heavily varnished wood back to life, and Dale’s Furniture Refinishing does it the careful way, by hand. Aggressive shortcuts can ruin good wood, so Dale takes the time to remove old finishes without harming the grain, joints, or veneer. He serves homeowners across Saint Paul and the Twin Cities with over 40 years of hands-on experience.

Our stripping process

Dale removes old paint, varnish, lacquer, and failing finishes by hand, working with the wood rather than against it. Hand stripping is gentler than harsh dip-tank methods, which can loosen glue joints, soften veneer, and raise the grain. He works through each layer methodically, getting into details, carvings, and corners that machines miss.

Once the piece is stripped clean, the bare wood is ready for whatever comes next, whether that’s a natural finish, a new stain, or a full custom finish. Stripping and furniture refinishing are usually done together as one project.

What we strip

  • Painted dressers, tables, and chairs
  • Heavily varnished or lacquered antiques
  • Doors, trim, and architectural woodwork
  • Cabinets and built-ins
  • Detailed and carved pieces
  • Pieces with multiple old finish layers

Why choose Dale’s for furniture stripping

  • Gentle hand stripping that protects the wood
  • Careful work in details, carvings, and corners
  • A natural pairing with refinishing for a finished result
  • Fair, affordable pricing with FREE estimates
  • We always guarantee our work
  • 40+ years of craftsmanship, local to Saint Paul

The first step to saving a piece

Underneath layers of old paint there is often beautiful wood waiting to be discovered. Stripping and refinishing a solid piece can save you up to 70% versus replacing it, and it preserves furniture that was built to last.

Call Dale at (651) 748-9465 for a FREE estimate, or contact us here. Most stripping jobs lead into our furniture refinishing service, and you can review pricing anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does furniture stripping cost?

Cost depends on the size of the piece and how many layers of paint or varnish need to come off. Dale gives a FREE estimate before he begins.

Do you strip by hand or with a dip tank?

Dale strips by hand, which is gentler on the wood, joints, and veneer than aggressive dip-tank methods that can loosen glue and raise the grain.

Can you strip painted furniture back to bare wood?

Yes. Dale removes layers of old paint and varnish to reveal the bare wood, ready for a new stain or finish.

Do I have to refinish after stripping?

Stripping is usually the first step before refinishing. Most customers have Dale strip and refinish together, but he can advise on the best plan at your free estimate.

What is furniture stripping, exactly?

Furniture stripping is the careful removal of old paint, varnish, or finish down to bare wood so the piece can be refinished. Dale does it by hand rather than with a harsh dip tank, which protects the joints, veneer, and grain.

Can you refinish my piece without stripping it first?

Sometimes. If the existing finish is sound and just tired, a lighter refresh may be enough. When paint or old finish is cracked, flaking, or hiding damage, stripping first gives a far better result. Dale recommends the honest approach at your free estimate, then can refinish the piece once it is stripped.

Ready to bring your furniture back to life?

Get a free, no-obligation estimate. We always guarantee our work.

Call Now Free Estimate