Removing Paint From Rough Sawn Wood

Peel away any loosened or peeling paint with your fingers. Use a plastic or metal scraper, or a stiff bristle brush, to pry up loose paint ends for easier peeling. Remove as much paint as possible this way.

Mix a mild cleaning solution of warm water and dish detergent until it forms suds. Soak the bristles of your stiff brush in the solution and scrub onto the wood. The water, soap and scrubbing combined will remove a lot of paint.

Rinse the surface with clean water and inspect your work. Repeat application of the soap and water if it is helping; if not, continue for other possible methods.

Mix a stronger cleaning solution of 2 cups of trisodium phosphate cleaner per 1 gallon of water. Scrub with this solution and the scrub brush for a stronger clean; rinse the surface well when complete to remove residual suds.

Spot-treat remaining painted areas with paint stripper or lacquer thinner. Use a small paintbrush to apply the chemical to areas only as needed, so that the chemicals do not soak into the wood. Allow the chemical to work on the surface for 5 minutes (unless otherwise noted by the product instructions). Scrape or scrub away loosened paint.

Rinse the wood with clean warm water to remove residual chemicals. Allow the wood to dry completely before attempting any additional painting or staining.