Wood strippers come in two basic types, and which one you choose depends on the project you're stripping.

• Semi-paste strippers are the best choice for tough jobs such as removing epoxies, polyurethane, enamel, or marine finishes, or when multiple layers of paint or finish must be removed. Use either a brushable semipaste or a heavy-bodied remover for stripping vertical surfaces, such as the side panels of chests or the legs of a chair or table.
• Spray strippers are available in aerosol cans for small projects. They're not a good choice for large projects, but they are useful for removing a finish from a difficult-to-reach area like an intricate molding on a wall. When you use spray strippers on a small area, be sure to carefully mask and protect the adjoining surfaces so that no spray gets on them.

If in doubt, explain your project to the dealer and ask for help choosing the right stripper.