How to strip paint from a wood?

Several ways...burn, chemically strip or abrade(sandblast) the paint off. Really depends upon the end use or type of wood item you are removing the paint from. Fine furniture you would not want to burn or sandblast, but could probably chemically strip effectively. Some exterior wood trim could probably be burned off, then sanded. Sandblasting leaves a somewhat rough wood texture that might be able to be sanded smooth, but not perfectly smooth.It will also remove some of the wood, but is useful for uneven, lumpy or angular multi-surfaces where paint can pile up in corners and crevices. Probably would not want to try to use this near glass windows.

Chemically stripping usually leaves some paint in crevices, etc so attempting to strip a white painted chair back to a honey coloured beautiful wood patina may not be achievable.

You do not have to strip wood prior to painting, but you do have to remove any kind of problems such as chalking, flaking, oil or grease. Banisters get a lot of body oils, so you'll need a good cleaner. Depending on the previous finish, a primer should be used. Latex paint cannot go over oils. Sometimes you have to try to find out. Oils aren't used too much these days, so if its new, you're probably OK.

Go around to Home Depot or Home Hardware, Canadian Tire or Walmart and get some paint stripper.and some scrapers and fine steel wool.

OR you could sand it off but that will take more effort.

If it is outside, or enamel... you could use a torch and scraper....

HI, THERE ARE NUMEROUS PAINT STRIPPERS. GO TO ONE OF THE BOX STORES OR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE. EXPLAIN YOUR PROJECT. THEY WILL SUGGEST THE BEST ONE. USE GLOVES AND A MASK. OPEN THE WINDOWS FOR VENTILATION.

Nitromor varnish and paint remover ....

This stuff is very good and will save you alot of effort ....

http://www.diy.com/nav/decor/decorating-supplies/t...