Should I Strip Paint From Old Woodwork?

DIRECT ANSWER:

Not automatically. Painted woodwork may contain attractive material underneath, but stripping can be labor-intensive, may reveal damaged or mixed materials and can involve hazardous historic coatings. The decision should consider the woodwork, existing finish, desired appearance and safe treatment of old paint.

THERE MAY BE BEAUTIFUL WOOD UNDER THAT PAINT.

THERE MAY ALSO BE A REASON SOMEONE PAINTED IT.

Find out before committing the entire room.

PAINT DOESN'T TELL YOU WHAT IS UNDERNEATH

The underlying woodwork may be:

High-quality finish-grade wood

Mixed species

Previously damaged

Patched

Altered

Originally intended to be painted

TEST BEFORE COMMITTING TO THE WHOLE HOUSE

Where appropriate and safely performed, understanding a limited representative area can help reveal what lies beneath.

Do not create hazardous dust or exposure.

OLD PAINT REQUIRES CAUTION

Older buildings may contain lead-based paint or other hazardous materials.

Disturbance should follow appropriate safety practices and applicable regulations.

Do not casually sand unknown old paint.

PAINTED WOODWORK CAN STILL BE HISTORIC WOODWORK

Preservation does not always require exposing bare wood.

Paint itself may be part of the architectural history.

CONSIDER THE FINAL ROOM

Ask:

What is the architectural goal?

Will doors remain painted?

What about windows?

Built-ins?

Baseboards?

Stairs?

One stripped component in an otherwise painted interior may not create the intended result.