There are three basic stripping methods which are usually practiced by most of us. These are sanding, heating and use of chemicals. People at least try the first two methods and it all depends upon the nature of the job. With the implementation of these processes one can easily remove drawers, fittings, shelves and related works.
Being a mechanical method, sanding is significantly a consistent way of stripping and most likely you will be unable to dismantle or remove everything from nooks or canneries without any chemical aid. The power and weight of the belt sander is perfect when there are layers over layers and it has to pass through, particularly paint; but it is not considered the ideal tool for expensive and treasured furniture.
The use of a blowtorch has become inconvenient as it can affect the actual polish of any furniture. In place of that device, hot-air stripers are mostly convenient to burn wood. As french polishes and lacquers are heat resistant, one can easily undertake the sanding processes in the best possible manner.
The use of chemicals is very effective as it does not leave any serious impact on the surface. But their waste is highly flammable and can be harmful to your organs. Avoid eye and skin infections by using safety equipments. The use of a protective eyewear or gloves can save you.
Methylene chloride is usually synthesized to make proprietary strippers. This paste works better than liquids and can easily stick to the vertical surfaces. This can be done with a nylon brush or grass. You can even use a dispensable paint brush for the dolloping process. This will effectively give a better thickness and thus lifting the old finish in a better way. Layering work can be beneficial and scrap with the help of a knife or wire wool for uneven pieces.
Neutralizing the ready made strippers can be done by adding water or white spirit. This prevents quick drying as the wax dissolves much faster. But if the furniture is old, then make sure that you add some glue to the solution. There are some no-wash strippers that can easily mix in a liquid and are useful in the polishing and wiping. But their use is not applicable in veneers.
Even though caustic soda is not an easily usable proprietary stripper, still it is popularly used. In order to make use of it firstly, it has to be coagulated into glue through whiting, starch or even wallpapers. To achieve the right consistency one kilo of crystals should be added to a bucket of water. But you have to be cautious while using it as it should not be used on polished pieces and the crystals should be dissolved into water and not water in crystals.
Plaster of paris is also commonly used for grain fillings. For better results, scrub with a wire brush and linseed oil in the empty parts and carry sanding as per the need. This is mostly used in the mahogany furniture.