How can I get layers of paint and stain off of a hardwood floor?

Besides a sander.. we tried and it just gets gunked onto the sand paper.How can I get layers of paint and stain off of a hardwood floor?
We are in the process of refinishing our hardwood floors, There were random square patches of paint three and four layers thick on top of stain.





I used ';Citristrip'; safer paint and varnish stripping gel. Safe to use indoors, no harsh fumes, and removes multiple layers per application. It worked great, two applications. Working in sections, apply a thick layer and wait about three hours before you scrape with putty knife (my preference) or other stipping tool of your choice. This product will do most of the work. I recommend having a trash can and paper towels nearby.





Then you can sand and not waste the sand paper.





Good luck, and remember it will be worth all the hard work and effort.How can I get layers of paint and stain off of a hardwood floor?
How big of an area do you have to do? Heat usually works, with a heat gun and scrapper. If you have a large area, then you will be heating and scraping forever. Personally, I would suggest a paint stripper, but look for the one with the most warnings to your health etc.... get the kids, animals out of the area/home, and go to town. Make sure that you take any safety recommendations that they list on the back of the stripper. If you are going to use the strong stuff, just respect what it can do. Superstrip and/or BIX (black label, that says it will take off airplane epoxy) would be the strippers I would look for. It will still be a mess, and you can thank the SOB that painted the wood floor while you strip the paint. It is a shame what people do sometimes. I agree with the earlier answer of laminate flooring. They have come along way, and they look almost the same as a real hardwood, just as tough, and easy to clean. Plus they should install over this painted mess with no more prep work needed. Good Luck...
You may have to sand and refinish your floors. Here's an article on how to repair hardwood floors... this may help you...Some may suggest paint thinner, but dont do that that will eat up at your hardwood... try reading the article.


Here's the link:


http://www.findanyfloor.com/Article/Repa鈥?/a>
If you find out let me know (ha,ha) I too have tried the sanding, the strippeez and to no avail. I settled on laminate flooring which is just as nice. currently working on the kitchen, except in there I have carpet glue to get rid of.
use a heat gun and scrapper before you go for the sanding stage. or use chemical stripper prior sanding.
Um....for da paint cant u just wash it off? idk bout da stain...........OOOOOOOOOOOO get stain removal! lol worth a shot! lol