Poison? Flash fires? Skull and bones? Just tools of the furniture strippers trade. Remember, if you DO try this at home- please read the instructions, wear a mask, wear gloves, and keep some windows open- this stuff stinks!

Dip the steel wool in poison, and rub/ wipe / scrub away, until the old finish dissolves, then wipe one last time:

Before/ After:

It’s amazing what poisonous chemicals can do! Once it dries there’s a slight odor to the wood that fades in a day or so. My advice: if your schedule allows, wait until warmer months to do this kind of stuff outside!