Using Citristrip

When I found this DIY travesty at the thrift store I knew I would be using Citristrip to fix this ill advised DIY.

Who would do this to a gorgeous vintage dish? I remember the DIY trend that precipitated this atrocity. DIYers were painting pressed glass from the Dollar Tree to make it look nicer than it was, but this beautiful dish didn’t need any help.

When I spotted it on the thrift store shelf I picked it up and said, “Why?” Then I set it back down on the shelf. I was in the middle of the 100 Projects 100 Days challenge and I had promised myself I would not buy any new project pieces.

I took two steps before going back to rescue it. I had to. This was breaking my heart and I had to fix it and give it a new home with someone who would love it.

I know it’s not a puppy, but I really do love vintage pieces. This cannot happen in my world.

Using Citristrip Is Easy

This is not my first time using Citristrip. It’s been a few years because everyone wants painted pieces these days, but I am familiar with the process.

Thankfully, Citristrip is safe to use indoors so I can use it in the She-shop without worrying about noxious odors. It does recommend you wear gloves and eye protection. I didn’t use either but I am recommending that you do. Don’t come after me if you fail to use these safety precautions.

Notice that I have also protected my work surface with plastic wrap.

You’ll want to use a can or a container that you can put the Citristrip into something wide enough for the brush you will be using.

You’ll want to use a chip brush so you can throw it away when you’re done. You don’t want a brush you’re going to be painting with to have paint remover on it. Just trust me on this one.

For Citristrip to work you need a nice thick coat. Do not skimp. When your coat is too thin you run the risk of Citristrip drying on your project and you don’t want that at all.

Let it sit on the project for at least 20 minutes. For multiple layers you might need to wait longer. Mine took about 30 minutes and then I saw the paint to start dripping down the side of of the bowl.

I used an old t-shirt that was destine for the trash to wipe away most of the finish.

Since this bowl was incredibly detailed with a textured finish there was still paint left behind.

A stiff bristled brush removed the majority of what was left behind. It came off without much effort.

A dental pick was needed to tackle the stubborn pieces that were wedged in the pebbled surface.

Once I finished I rinsed the glass and washed it with dish soap.

After using Citristrip the bowl is stunning! You can see why I called the ill fated DIY a crime. Look at how beautiful this bowl is. Just look at it.

Can I Ask a Favor

If you found this post helpful please share it with your friends or better yet pin a copy to your Pinterest page.  Just use the “Pin This” image.

Are you looking for a new challenge? Try using tintable glaze on your next painting project to give it depth and dimension.

Many blessings to you!

~S

I use Amazon affiliate links. If you click through these links this blog will earn a small commission, but it doesn’t cost you any extra. I am grateful to everyone who has purchased through these links for the support.