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Markw,
There isn't a lot you can do to damage the wood, I mean, besides taking a hammer or a screwdriver to it. Most collectors or restorers are worried about preserving the original finish and although it isn't likely, you can sometimes remove paint and find a useable finish underneath. I had this happen recently on an old Zenith G730 that someone painted (rattle can) gloss black. I thought the original finish was a :deadhorse but the clearish-blonde stain hiding under there was still pretty glossy and even. Crazy!
Stripping veneer can be tricky, but I've had good luck using Formby's, available at Wal Mart, ACE, etc. Otherwise, get a gallon or two of lacquer thinner, a few brass-bristled brushes and start scrubbing. Soak some on the paint for a while first to get it soft and use a smaller brush, a pick or the side of a scraper for the cracks and hard to reach places. Lightly sand or 0000 steel wool to smooth, clean it good with soap and water, then re-stain and varnish. Refinishing is actually an entirely new process, but you have some work to do before you’re ready for that-
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