Infrared Paint Stripper (Jarrah)

I have been looking to use an infrared paint stripper on my skirting boards.

They are very detailed. They date back to around 1912, between 200 - 300mm high, jarrah with many layers of paint.

I want to strip them back to bare wood, then finish with some kind of clear varnish.

The user groups for the infrared paint stripper state that the machine can draw moisture out of the wood, and as such, the wood should be treated with a primer as soon as all the paint is removed prior to new painting.

Is there some kind of pre-treatment that i should put on the wood before applying coats of varnish.

Fremantle - Western Australia

Hi Freo,
I would suggest you remove them first. Then work on them at a good height in the shed. I use a sandvik triangular scraper and course belt sand paper which I fold and shape as required for the first stage.

I have even made and shaped wooden blocks to hold the paper.

Then I go thru the grits as above. Not much fun but it works well. I don't use chemicals either cos I don't like them and they tend to clog paper too. My skirtings were 1890's.

On the flats a big belt sander does wonders.

cheers
conwwod