Before you begin, ensure you've covered the floor and any nearby furniture with dust sheets. 

Open all doors and windows to ensure proper ventilation throughout the process. 

Put on safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself.

Lightly sand the area you intend to work on. 

This step ensures the stripper is absorbed more effectively into the paint or varnish.

Stir your maximum strength paint stripper well. 

Using a brush or a flat-bladed tool, generously apply the stripper to the designated area. 

Using a paint stripper with a gel consistency allows for a thick application without the worry of drips.

Allow the stripper to sit until you notice the paint or varnish starting to blister or flake. 

This could take up to four hours. 

For water-based paints, expect the coat to soften rather than blister.

Before you proceed to strip the entire surface, test a small patch to ensure the stripper has penetrated all paint layers. 

Once confirmed, use your stripping knife to gently scrape off the layers of paint or varnish.

After stripping, there might be residues left. 

Clean these with white spirit and a damp cloth. 

Allow the wood to dry thoroughly.

With the old paint or varnish removed, your wood is now ready for a fresh coat of paint, varnish, or any other decoration of your choice.