GordoninBelfast
There is a safe paint remover that can remove multi layers in one go but its expensive.
If you have digital sattelite TV look at channel 668 for Ready-Strip.
http://www.myshopontv.com/shop_catalog_detail.php?P_ID=62I have a very old pine chest of drawers with over 80 years of paint that I intend buying it for.
Apparently the USA 1/2 gallon tub is 1.9 litres and covers approx 25 squ ft.