I used methylene chloride in my work for years (delivered in 55 gal drums). I have been mildly burned many times, know of one person blinded, and many more severely burned using it. This did not happen due to ignoring safety procedures, either. Murphy's law seems to be attached to this stuff. Pay very close attention to the safety warnings, and have a close (within hands reach) water source, preferably a water hose with nozzle and water turned on to it for immediate use if you get it in your eyes. Wear eye protection and do not use it in a confined space (the fumes can burn your throat and lungs). Long sleeved shirt and chemical resistant gloves are also a must. Cuff the gloves so the stuff does not run down your arm if you hold your hands up. I also recommend a doo-rag or other head protection. Have the protective equipment on when you open the container and keep it on until you are done. It is nasty stuff.
Yes, it does work well. Evaporative coatings like lacquer or shellac will pretty much dissolve on contact. Oxidized coatings like varnish, poly, etc will bubble and sluff off 1 layer at a time, so do not rinse until you have re-glopped the first layer goo back over the second and third etc. Rinse when done or at days end. Do not let it totally dry/evaporate on the surface if possible, but if it does, reapply a fresh coat to re-dissolve it. If you rinse, let the item totally dry before reapplying or the moisture will neutralize it before it can work.
Before you start, you may want to plan on what you're are going to do with the toxic mess you have when you are done. Make sure it is fully neutralized with water, whatever your disposal plans.
For furniture, I go the Mike Davis route using a card scraper as tool of choice. I usually follow up with sand paper.
JMTCW
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