Purchased a 100 yr. old home... need to save $ with DIY projects... does anyone have a recommendation of the absolute best product to remove some 20 layers of paint on bannisters/doors/frames? Thanks a bunch.:

There are poducts out that work well. Don't know about 20 layers. Maybe repeat many times. Just remember about the old lead paint you'll be removing. Be safe and no eating the paint chips! Someone here should be able to give a good way.

I recently refinished my cabinets. I founf a paint and varnish remover made by Citri Strip. It has no harsh fumes, easy to app;y and does a pretty goood job.it took at least four coats of polyuerathane off at one time

Hi

Ask your friends ,hardware stores ,antique stores ,when you here the same from everybody about one product chances are that's the one.Everybody likes different products,Ask or call a furniture restorer he may help.

Hope this suggestion helps

For parts you can move outside, I found the best way to get most of the paint off is with heat. 5F5 chemical stripper finished the job to totally bare wood. I did this with some doors from my 110-year old house. The heat was more quick and much less messy than chemicals for the really thick layers.

What ever chemical remover you choose, inside remember about the fumes, Citric stri is good, It is a long,slow procedure, but worth it. Suggestion, once you apply the stripper, wrap it in cheesecloth, this will help heep the stripper moist and work better, approx 20 minutes between coates.
My,better half and I have been restoring furniture for 20 years, so never rush.

All great suggestions. Yes, heat is very good for serious jobs, but you'll need a heat gun.

If you try a stripping product, be sure to look for the Gel type that will stick to the slanted surface of a banniser. Some of them are watery, making it hard to use on slanted bannisters or vertical pieces.