Removing decoupage

[WeAreTheHeroes]

I have plenty of experience of removing wallpaper, but am wondering if I need a different plan of attack for this: a panelled door where every small, flat panel has been decoupaged. I think it's been there over 20 years. Looks to be varnished over and I don't want to wreck the wood as it's a built in cupboard.

Does anyone have any hints or tips? It's going to be a pain I think, which is the main reason I've left this job till last!

I would try something like cling strip to get rid of the varnish and then try soaking with water to see if the original things were stuck on with a water soluble glue?

You might be able to sand the varnish off and then could try the water?

Thank you. Sanding first might be the way to go - don't know why I didn't think of that. I can test whether it's water or oil based varnish too. I threw out the other decoupaged item that was left in the house when we moved in. I can't do that with this door!

I'm curious what this looks like OP? Is it old roses etc? Sounds like it was done some time ago.

I'm not going to say because my sister and some friends are on here. If I were to describe it, it would be a dead giveaway for anyone who's been to our house and I like the anonymity! It's not old roses though. The whole house had eclectic decor when we bought it.

I tested the finish earlier and it's not water based varnish.

There were a lot of 80s decor ideas around the place. Paint effects in the bathroom and pantry. Borders galore. You get the picture. We have one room that is an aqua paradise - everything is the same colour from the carpet to the woodwork, ceiling and walls!