Can anyone help me out with paint removal?
Question:I have lovely old wooden baseboards and window frames in my new apartment but they are covered in this awful Christmas green paint. Ideally I would like to remove all the paint and stain the wood, but I have no idea how many layers/colours are underneath the green. Any suggestions? Is it better to choose a better colour and paint over it, or remove what is there? What tools would I need for the chosen course of action?
Answers:
I prefer to use a heat gun when stripping paint (home depot and other hardware stores sell them). A blow torch sounds dangerous and paint removers can become very messy. You'll find that with a heat gun the paint will bubble up and then you can scrap it away in big slices. For the scrapping part a good paint scrapper will work. Be careful of using the heat gun next to a window or mirror as they may be damaged. For those areas you'll probably need to use the chemicals. Make sure the room is well ventilated and where a mask and rubber gloves. If this is an old place there could be lead paint under layers of latex paint. After you strip the wood you'll need to sand the wood. If you intend to stain the wood, as opposed to painting it, you need to remove every speck of old paint or it will show through the stain. In other words, the lightest smear of paint on the wood will result in the staining job looking horrible (I speak from experience on this). I would start with a rough texture sandpaper and then use a smoother sandpaper to finish.
I would try a small sill somewhere not too noticable and try either paint remover (very good) or a blow torch. I've used both methods and they both work well, you have to take care with the blow torch though as bearing in mind you want to stain the wood you mustn't scorch it. I would try paint remover first, sanding off any minor bits left on a small patch and then check the wood underneath is okay for staining.
apply sand paper rub on it ,
rub sand paper on it and then repaint
Hi,
Proprietary Paint Striper is a good way to go but, if there is more than one layer you generally have to strip one layer at a time. My preferred way is to use an Electric Heat Gun, ( most DIY stores sell them) you don't have the problem of a naked flame as you would with a blow torch, use a shave hook it will get into any awkward corners, and a firm paint scraper for the flat areas, then clean the surface with '0000 grade' steel wool, finish off with fine sand paper.
Be Safe, Skew.
More Related Questions & Answers...