Best practice for restoring wood trim before painting

We have a lot of wood trim and wainscoting (see picture) that has been buried under many years of paint. Since we don’t quite have the budget to strip it down to the wood and then repaint, which I imagine is what you’re really “supposed” to do, what’s the next best procedure for getting the wood in good enough shape to paint -and look good enough?

The more specific info the better – what methods and products would you use? Is there anything to avoid that might damage the wood? and if you know anyone who could do this project, that’d be great too!

[Wainscoting](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:x4Vz:wainscoting.jpg.jpg)

Guest User | 4 years and 4 months ago

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Guest User | 4 years and 4 months ago

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Thanks @cate and @stevecym for the detailed answer! @Steve – So to make sure I understand you correctly, when sanding the old non latex paint that might contain lead (I will test first), the best procedure is to wet a regular piece of sandpaper?

And any recs for the finish for the paint – semigloss? Or maybe if it’s not going to look “perfect” we should choose something less glossy so as not to draw the eye to much to the trim?

cate | 4 years and 4 months ago

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You could potentially make a mess and get lead paint dust everywhere if you don’t properly prepare the area and know what you are doing.