DIY Stripping Basket - How to Make and Use for Refinishing Furniture

Introducing the DIY Stripping Basket

Stripping paint and finishes from furniture and architectural elements by hand can be an arduous and messy process. However, with the right tools, it can become an enjoyable DIY project that saves money compared to hiring a professional refinisher. One essential tool for effective, efficient stripping is the stripping basket.

What Is a Stripping Basket?

A stripping basket is a metal basket designed specifically for dip stripping furniture pieces. It allows you to submerge the piece being stripped in a solvent while containing drips and mess. Stripping baskets have holes along the sides and bottom to allow the solvent to fully contact all surfaces. They often have a handle or hook on top for maneuvering the basket in and out of the solvent.

Benefits of Using a Stripping Basket

Stripping baskets offer several important advantages over stripping furniture freehand:

• Contain messes and allow reusable solvent
• Support weight of furniture for full submersion
• Allow stirring solvent to increase effectiveness
• Protect hands and skin from harsh chemicals
• Speed up overall stripping time
• Simplify and reduce cleanup after stripping

Choosing the Right Stripping Basket

Stripping baskets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Consider the following when selecting one for your DIY refinishing projects:

• Size - Choose a basket that will fit your typical project pieces
• Shape - Rectangular, round, or specialty baskets for odd shapes
• Depth - Deep enough to submerge pieces fully
• Build quality - Thick steel wire and durable welded joints
• Handle - Sturdy handle rated for weight of furniture

How to Make Your Own DIY Stripping Basket

While premade stripping baskets range $40-$100, you can make your own for just $20-30 with simple materials and tools. Follow these steps to construct a custom basket suited to your furniture stripping needs.

Gather Stripping Basket Materials

You likely have most of what you need already or can easily get at a hardware store. Materials include:

• 16-20 gauge steel wire
• Wire cutters
• Welder or solder
• Steel wire scrub brush (optional)
• Metal paint scraper (optional)
• Pliers
• Metal handle
• Eye and ear protection

Construct the Stripping Basket Frame

Cut, bend, and weld steel wire into a rectangular frame suited to your typical furniture pieces. Leave at least 2 inches between wires for solvent flow. Use multiple border wires for strength. Attach 3-4 wires across the bottom as well. Lay wires in a mesh pattern inside the frame.

Add a Handle

Weld a sturdy metal handle like a bike handle across the top of the frame. Position it offset to balance heavier furniture on one side. Make sure it is strongly secured.

Include Optional Specialty Additions

Consider adding any of the following optional features to enhance functionality:

• Hook for storage
• Feet to elevate basket and allow solvent drip catch
• Second handle for two person use
• Removable wire mesh lining

How to Use Your Homemade Stripping Basket

Once constructed, using your custom stripping basket is easy. Follow these simple steps for best results:

Prepare Your Piece

Remove all hardware, fill holes with epoxy, and sand glossy finishes. This allows the solvent to penetrate most effectively. Wash the piece to remove dirt, oil, and wax.

Fill Basket 1/3 with Solvent

Pour your preferred chemical stripper into the basket, filling only 1/3 or less initially.Too much may overflow when adding your piece. Opt for less toxic soy gel or citrus based strippers when possible.

Submerge and Stir Piece

Fully submerge your sanded and washed piece in the basket. Stir it frequently for the first 30 minutes to accelerate stripping. Add more stripper as needed to keep wood covered.

Remove and Neutralize

After the finish bubbles up, remove the stripped piece and neutralize chemicals. You can reuse the stripper a few times before replacing. Let wood dry fully before sanding, priming, and refinishing.

Be sure to work in a well ventilated area and read all manufacturer safety precautions. With the right technique, your homemade stripping basket can save substantial time and frustration!

Tips for Effective, Efficient Stripping

Beyond the basics, picking up some helpful habits will ensure stripping success and prevent easily avoided mistakes. Keep these tips in mind:

Work Outside or in a Garage

Fumes from chemicals are nasty and flammable. You need excellent ventilation, so work outside or in garage with doors open.

Wear Protective Gear

At minimum wear gloves, safety glasses, an apron or clothes you don’t mind ruining. A respirator is also a very good idea when working with harsh solvents.

Remove Hardware and Fill Holes

You don’t want to strip screws or have chemicals seep into wood through holes. Fill with glue or epoxy before submerging.

With a DIY stripping basket, proper safety gear, these tips, stripping furniture yourself is easy, affordable and even enjoyable. You can give shabby finds new life while saving cash over professional refinishing. Construct your basket to match typical piece sizes and get stripping!

FAQs

What can I use if I don't have a welder for DIY stripping basket?

You can use solder or wire wrap to connect the joints instead of welding if you don't have welding equipment. Just make sure the joints are strongly secured.

What is the best stripping chemical to use?

Opt for soy gel strippers or citrus based strippers when possible as they are less toxic than methylene chloride strippers. But test different ones to see which works best for your particular furniture finishes.

Can I strip finishes off surfaces other than wood?

Yes, stripping baskets can be used to remove paint, stain, varnish and other finishes from metal, wicker, concrete, and other materials. Just select the appropriate chemical stripper for that surface type.

How do I dispose of used stripper and removed finish?

Carefully read and follow the disposal methods recommended on the chemical stripper’s safety information. Typically that entails allowing residue to dry fully and then discarding in household waste.