Paint can be sanded off, rfemoved with a heat gun or softened with a chemical paint or varnish remover allowing it to be scraped or washed off the surface with water.  The method of choice will depend mainly upon your preference, workspace and the object you will be stripping.

Heat Guns can be used to soften paint or varnish, allowing it to be scraped away.  Holding the heat gun in one hand, follow it with a paint scraper in the other hand to remove the paint as it is softened.  Keep the heat gun moving to avoid scorched surfaces.

Sanding is great for tough jobs that require some rest oration of the surface beneath the paint.  A sanding block, sponge or pad will offer the most control when removing coatings.  A large job will require a belt or disk power sander to speed up the job.

Select the right sandpaper for the job.  Paints and coatings clog finer grit papers in no time, so choose coarse sandpapers or those labeled for paint or varnish removal. 

Sanding will remove some of the wood underneath the paint, so it is not recommended when stripping a valuable piece of furniture.  Avoid sanding vintage pieces, which may include layers of toxic lead paint.  Sanding these surfaces can pose health hazards as it stirs up a fine cloud of dust that can be inhaled or transported on clothing and tools.

Chemical Paint Removers are available in several formulas and are usually referred to as "removers" or "strippers".  Chemical products are particularly effective on detailed furniture or carved surfaces where sandpapers may be cumbersome.

Liquids are most effective when only a layer or two of coating requires removal.  These products are best for removing paint and varnish from nooks and crannies, or as a second step on persistent spots that remain after other products have been used. 

On objects coated with multiple layers of paint, use thicker formula removers.  These are slower to dry, allowing one application to remove up to 10 or more layers of paint.  Because of their paste-like consistency these products can be brushed on and will cling to even vertical or upside-down surfaces.  Some can be rinsed away with water after use, but take care to follow directions as too much moisture can cause damage to many surfaces.

Spray and aerosal products  feature the easiest application and are particularly good for detail work where brushes may miss spots.  Spray removers and aerosols are often thick enough to cling to a surface, allowing them to remove several layers of paint.  Some may even be rinsed off with water.

Some tiny grooves, stubborn or rough spots may emerge after you have used the remover.  Steel wool, brass wire brushes or a scouring pad will come in handly to smooth out areas or to reach into grooves.  Be sure not to apply too much pressure or you might marr the surface.  For especially tight areas, such as the detail in spindles, a piece of string or a toothpick can be used to scrape out stripping residue.

The biggest time-saving and safety-conscious step of all is to pay attention to the product label.  Apply the product according to the package instructions and leave it on the full amount of time required or you may have to repeat steps.

Usage and disposal instructions of chemical products are specific for a reason - to ensure your health and safety.  At the very least, work in a well-ventilated area, wear chemical-resistent gloves and eye protection.  Chemical paint strippers are highly flammable and toxic, so take care how you dispose of and store them.  Even used rags or dropcloths can ignite by spontaneous combustion, so if the package suggests you submerge them in water, inside a metal container, located outdoors - follow the steps to the letter.

If you prefer, products that are safer on your skin and lack the heavy chemical order and flammability of other products, there are products available without methylene chloride.  Take just as much care to follow the instructions with these products.  Some are not recommended for use with steel wool and may require different steps for usage and clean-up. 

After stripping, finish the job by rubbing down the object with denatured alcohol and a piece of #0000 steel wool to be sure all residues are gone and to prepare the surface for its new finish.