Removing **** from fireplace mantel molding?

I was refinishing a fireplace mantel. First I tried staining but didn't like it so I stripped it and then painted it. However there is molding and I couldn't get all of the **** of the stain out. So I tried to paint over it and it looks awful. Any help with trying to get the **** of the stain and paint out of a rope like molding would be much appreciated.