I live in a Sears home built in 1916. It was originally a farm house that we moved into town. I am trying to strip the paint from the upstairs doors (the layers are very thick and cracked). The bottom layer of paint gets very sticky and gooey (I've tried heat gun and chemical strippers). I cannot get all of it stripped from the wood. It gets shiny and I cannot sand it (the sand paper wears out and the paint remains!) The only thing that I have been able to use to remove any of it is straight ammonia and alot of elbow grease. Does anyone know what type of paint or finish this could be ( it is a med tan color)and the best way to strip it. I have about 25 hours into stripping one side of a door and the doorframe and i have 6 1/2 doors left. I don't want this project to take years to finish!

In my experience nothing works like the chemical strippers which contain Methelyne Chloride. I have also had some luck with a propane torch but you have to be verrry careful not to burn. If you use the Meth. you'll need to rinse with Lacquer thinner and a scotch brite pad. I haven't seen any paint that could stand up to the Meth.

P.s. The stuff is really nasty on your skin. I also had to go to the ER once to get it washed out of my eyes when I caught a back splash. Protect yourself well.

You've got a couple of serious exposures in this project...There's a good chance that the paint that you have sanded contains lead, which is a serious health hazard, both to you while you're sanding, and to any others (especially little ones) who are in the home.

The stripper with methylene chloride presents another serious airborne respiratory hazard--gaseous, not particulate as is the lead. In addition, as the previous responder noted, you need to wear chemical splash goggles and gloves to protect yourself.

Respiratory protection is required for both lead and methylene chloride. And be sure that you don't create a bigger exposure by allowing the lead to be spread throughout the home.

More info on respirators and goggles can be found at www.msasafetyworks.com. Good luck with your project!