Furniture and door paint stripping workshop

Renovating homeowners, antique and vintage furniture sellers, upholsterers, furniture restorers and small builders.

Fixed price per item or per door, based on size, number of paint layers and detail. Extra charge for pick-up and delivery or for sanding and prep after stripping.

• Patience and attention to detail
• Knowing timber and metal finishes
• Safe handling of chemicals
• Quoting jobs fairly

• Old paint on pre-1970s items can contain lead, so check lead-safe work practices and testing with your state workplace safety regulator
• Rules on disposing of paint sludge and chemical waste, check with your local council and state EPA
• Some strippers (such as those containing dichloromethane) have restrictions or serious health risks, check what is allowed in your state
• Council or neighbour objections to fumes and noise if you work from home
• Fire risk from heat guns and solvent-soaked rags

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tools, chemicals, safety gear and workspace. These are estimates, so cost out your own setup before taking on customers.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many items you strip and what you charge. The estimates assume at least about 8 hours a week.

Check lead-safe work practices and testing for pre-1970s items with your state workplace safety regulator. Also check paint sludge and chemical waste disposal with your council and state EPA, which strippers are allowed, and fire risks and neighbour objections.