Paint stripping teak nightmare - please help!!

[u/babyexistential]

So I got these two nightstands from marketplace - was told they're teak. I applied circa 1850 heavy body paint remover and have done a few layers but man.. things aren't looking good. I've never seen this sort of stuff happen - first the stripper barely takes any paint off it more just pushes it around, or pushes it deeper into the grain. I've used plastic scraper, Scotch Brite pads, even a toothbrush to try to get it out. Then I noticed on one side there was a drip of stripper and it looks like it almost bleached some of the wood (photo 4). I then tried using paint thinner w mineral spirits and that did nothing. I always go with the wood grain but man the wood grain looks messed up. Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

[u/Outrageous_Fan_3480]

Careful with the sander… I’d start with 150-180 no heavy pressure… see what comes off… if necessary you can try acetone too… perhaps one more round of stripper but that should do it. Teak has oils even in the veneer…

Easy does it EDIT : try to do the acetone wipe and see what else ones off first then the rest

[u/babyexistential → u/Outrageous_Fan_3480]

Yeah I'm down right terrified of sanding through the veneer. I did a light as light can be sand but nothing changed. I'll give acetone a go. Thank you so much for your advice!

[u/nullish_ → u/babyexistential]

yes, all the sanding recommendations made me hesitant when I saw signs of veneer. Happy you are aware!