Work in small sections, let the compound do the work and make sure all the paint is removed.
Strippers are messy and potentially harmful.
Lay a drop cloth down to avoid spillage, and open windows for ventilation. For safety precautions, wear long sleeves, gloves and protective eyewear. The optimal room temperature should be between 60 to 70 degrees. Using an old paintbrush, start from the top and move down. Concentrate on one section at a time to gain confidence and keep you from becoming overwhelmed by the breadth of the project.