Good Wood Stripper Recommendations

[ernbar]

Looking for recommendations for a good wood stripper that easily removes the thick plastic like coating found on the Uberti grips. I recently stripped the grips on my Dragoon and took a lot of work to get the finish off. I used this product:

It took several applications to eventually soften the thick layer that wouldn’t come off unless it was scraped with a plastic spatula. The stuff peeled off like a thick wax film! I have two other grips I want to strip so hoping to find a better product.

 

[Buckskinquin]

Did you wrap the applied area in waxed paper and let it sit. I know on some furniture jobs it’s recommended if finish is thick.

 

[ernbar]

Did you wrap the applied area in waxed paper and let it sit. I know on some furniture jobs it’s recommended if finish is thick.

No, only brushed on thick and soaked it for like 20-30 minutes each application.

 

[waksupi]

Sherwin Williams Boat and Aircraft stripper works well.

 

[flinter1977]

I've let uberti grips soak in acetone for an hour and strips to bare wood

 

[ernbar]

Sherwin Williams Boat and Aircraft stripper works well.

This safe to use on wood?

 

[ernbar]

I've let uberti grips soak in acetone for an hour and strips to bare wood

Did the plastic coating dissolve or did you have to scrape?

 

[VAN]

I have the best luck with Kwik Strip Spray. Even the plastic looking finishes come off in sheets after soaking a few minutes in the foamed-up stripper. Then wash in acetone with 0000 steel wool. Need good stripper resistant gloves as it will burn your skin.

 

[flinter1977]

I scuffed them up first with a scotch bright. Pad an dunked them in .

 

[waksupi]

This safe to use on wood?
View attachment 196881

I don't know, I've only used the Sherwin Williams. It will strip the finish of a Weatherby rifle, so should handle anything.

 

[ernbar]

Thanks for all the input.

 

[Pete453]

I've had good luck with Citristrip(I think that's the correct name). Brush it on, let sit for 20-30 minutes, scrub under HOT running water with a plastic bristle scrub brush, dry. Let dry overnight, sand and finish.

 

[Dale Lilly]

citristrip

 

[Dale Lilly]

oooops

 

[ernbar]

Thanks for all the recommendations folks. I decided to use the current stripper I have on hand but this time I let the thick gel soaking the grips for over an hour and all the thick film lifted off very easily. My mistake with the other grips was not giving it enough working time. And by the way, I believe I paid $11 to $12 for my product about 3 years ago and is $22 now!
I will post pictures once the project is complete.

 

[John Spartan]

Stripped the plastic like polyurethane finish on multiple Italian stocks using several different hardware store strippers - experimented around - and all worked well. Finish bubbled right off and I used wooden flats (craft “popsicle sticks”) to scrape the goo off. Even if you miss a spot the polyurethane scapes off later easily enough with the wood and don’t be afraid to strip it twice if needed.
Guess if I had any “tips” it would be don’t skimp on the stripper product application and wait for the maximum recommended time. Oh. Wear safety glasses and gloves when removing the goo. Depending on the stripper product don’t worry about getting absolutely every nook and cranny as the stripper dries to either a powder (Citristrip) or dried snot (everything else) easily removed later. Did 4 full size stocks and one pistol.

 

[Rebel bull]

all of these suggestions sound ok for you guys on city water, but what do they do to your septic system???

 

[Centurion]

Aircraft Stripper:

Yes! It ALL comes off, scrape off the glop, let it dry and break out the sandpaper. Can’t recommend aircraft stripper highly enough!
Nothing withstands it, even plastic-like guitar finishes.

don

 

[SOLANCO]

I do not let anything vaguely like these strippers into my septic system. nor anything petroleum based or toxic. Restoring a fouled up septic system is foul and expensive.