On Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:25:37 -0500, "John Grabowski"
wrote:


The best stripper that I ever used was called Peel Away and in one
application it removed decades of paint layers down to the bare wood. It is
non-toxic and prevents the release of lead into the air. A painter
recommended it to me several years ago. The stuff is a paste and is covered
with a plastic sheet that is included and you just let it sit overnight and
peel away the paint layers the next day. With many layers some scraping may
be required. There was some areas that needed to be cleaned off with water
and a scouring pad, but it did a fabulous job for me. Much better than any
petroleum based product that I have used in the past.

I suppose for the parts that need a scouring pad, the OP could try a
heat gun. Then he would know firsthand how well it worked, and be
grateful he hadn't tried to do the whole project with it.