Stripper or paint remover works best in mild temperatures, from 60 to 80 F. Use a well ventilated area for your one safety. A basement or heated garage in cooler climates is not recommended. If the fumes from the stripper get into a heating system, they can cause premature damage.
Some stripping instructions advise a person to water wash the stripper residue from the piece being stripped. While water washing is more thorough and quicker, there are negative aspects. Water washing will raise the grain, causing extra sanding, can cause glue joints to fail, and it will change the natural color of the wood eliminating the patina. Solvent stripping will not cause any of the above. Check the label on the container to find out which solvent works best.
