Painting - Stripping paint from wood - indoors

I would like to restore the wood finish in my home (built in the 50's). The previous owners painted over the wood ceilings, walls, trim, doors, cabinets, and beams :thumbdn: . I've successfully restored some cabinet doors using what I gather to be some sort of caustic solvent. But I want more! The wood was painted within the last 10 years so there's no lead and only one coat (or enough to cover). Can I safely remove paint from ceiling beams and other areas in the house using a chemical stripper? Or should I physically remove the paint with a sander? Any feedback would be appreciated...

From a professional perspective, it would not be cost effective to return the wood to a clear stainable state

In reality, it's do-able, but time-consuming, money-consuming, and messy
If you did the cabinet doors, you've got an idea of what it takes, understanding that a ceiling will be more difficult
A belt sander to the beams might work, it will be dusty and tiring
The rest of the ceiling....oh is it wainscotting?
Sanding that will be tough....stripping it will be messy....

Hmmm...that could make a big difference, if it's wainscotting
Then it really should be removed and chemically stripped, and then returned
(As you can see the labor would be the same as installing new)
That's how I'd to the trim
But mostly people at that point just go for the new trim

Are the beams and ceiling flat?

I assume that the walls and ceilings are bead board which would require a lot of effort to remove all the paint from the tiny grooves. If they are tongue and groove 1x6's stripping will be easier [but still a big job]

I would suggest starting with 1 room or even 1 wall or ceiling. Afterwards you can evaluate if the finish product is worth the time and money.

I assume that the walls and ceilings are bead board...
Hi marksr!
What's bead board?
I'm not sure if we don't have it up here, or just call it something else

Bead board is what most wainscotting is made of or made to resemble. I'm not sure of the dimensions [4 -6" wide], comes in different thickness's [3/8"-3/4"] Years ago it was often used inplace of plaster. I have always heard it called bead board but I know a lot of things are called by a diferent name in other parts of the country.

Thanks buddy
So, it's not actual wainscotting then?
Well, either way, if it's beadboard or wainscotting, rumsy would have a bit of work ahead
As opposed to a flat surface anyway

Thanks for your responses...
The beams are flat and the ceiling boards are tongue and groove. I'm leaving the ceiling alone but would like to experiment with stripping the beams and some other trim. I wish I could attach a photo so you all could see and give me your opinion.

I wish I could attach a photo so you all could see and give me your opinion.
I sent you a PM rumsy