Stripping takes a lot of time and sanding. I really really really know. A few unsolicited tips…Don’t waste time on the environmental orange or other timid strippers if you want to make progress. Choose small goals at a time or you’ll end up crying: a door and frame, a pair of windows, a baseboard in one room.And never use heat guns (though they are the best) where historic mice nests and old insulation and years of dust may lie behind an inaccessible (and therefore fire-vulnerable) area. And ventilate well or at least turn off pilot lights if you cannot (that got one of my neighbors into a big blow up before they even moved into their new/old home).

I found a bunch of dental tools at an auction and they became invaluable. And three electric sanders: detail, palm, and belt are worth the investment. For base boards I transferred a profile of the wood to a block of oak and cut it with a scroll saw to match. Slapped some sand paper in and was off to the races. That was worth it too, especially for final prep before staining.

That was my last house> I’m gonna leave the paint on this one, though it will be cleaned, sanded, and repainted.

Hiring someone can be really expensive because it takes so long. Looking back on the completed project is well worth self-investment.

Good Luck!