Wear safety glasses, a dust mask or respirator, and gloves
Remove the wood piece or protect surrounding areas
Start with coarse-grit sandpaper, such as 60- or 80-grit
Sand with the grain of the wood
Use a sanding block or orbital sander for flat surfaces
Apply light, even pressure
Switch to finer grits, such as 120-grit, then 150- or 180-grit
Wipe away dust between grit changes
Check frequently to avoid sanding too deeply into the wood
Use a detail sander or folded sandpaper for corners and edges
Vacuum or tack-cloth the surface after sanding
Stop when the paint is removed and the wood is smooth
Dispose of dust and used sandpaper safely