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Scraping
| Wire brushing
Sanding | Power
Washing
Chemical Removal |
Heat Gun
Scraping
This is a traditional effective approach for many flat
surfaces from smooth masonry and hardboard to wood and ferrous
metal. For maximum effectiveness, keep the scraper sharp
and apply even pressure as you scrape in one direction,
then at 90 degrees. Use shaped scrapers like triangle or
oval shapes to get into corners and on rounded profiles.
Take care not to gouge or score wood and be sure not to
apply pressure when scraping hardboard. For heavier scraping
on hard or metal surfaces try a two-hands scraper. Feather
sand all rough edges of remaining paint with a medium grade
sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish. Wear goggles or face
mask for eye protection, leather or work gloves to protect
the skin and limit dust intake with a protective mask or
respirator. Scraping is less effective on rough surfaces
such as stucco.
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Wire brushing
A stiff metal hand brush works
well on brick, stucco and other masonry. Used vertically
it is also effective removing paint from wood shingles.
Power wire brushing can be used on stubborn areas, but must
be used with extreme care. Wear goggles or face mask for
eye protection, leather or cloth work gloves to protect
the skin, and limit dust intake with a protective mask or
respirator.
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Sanding
Areas that have been scraped should be smoothed with sanding.
A power sanding tool like an electric belt sander is an
option when the substrate is wood or steel. Do not attempt
to power sand masonry, hardboard, aluminium or plastic materials.
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Power Washing
A high pressure plain water stream is effective in lifting
old, loose paint. Never use harsh cleansers or bleach since
they can infiltrate the substrates and inhibit paint performance.
Hold the spray nozzle 150mm to 200mm from the surface. To
prevent damage, spray at a horizontal or downward angle
only. Power washing is not recommended for soft woods like
cedar and redwood. Wear goggles and water repellent clothing
and footwear.
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Chemical Removal
Strong solvent-based
removers work well on most solvent-based and water-based
paints, primers, stains, and varnishes. Apply a heavy coat
to a small area, about 0.2 m² at a time, using a low-end
natural bristle paint brush. Give it plenty of time to work
as recommended by the manufacturer. Carefully remove the
softened coatings using a putty knife or wooden blade and
scrape the material into a cardboard box. Reapply more stripper
if needed and then clean the surface with wadded up paper
towelling. Do not use steel wool because it can discolour
the treated surface. Use these chemical removers only on
small vertical and horizontal face-up areas, such as trim
and mouldings. Do not use on face-down surfaces such as
porch ceilings. Before using these products, clear the area
of children and pets. Cover floors and steps and remove
plants, rugs and furniture. Dispose of all waste after the
job, carefully following manufacturer instructions. Wear
goggles or face mask for eye protection; use chemical resistant
gloves, long sleeve shirt and trousers to protect the skin;
and protect breathing with a respirator designed for use
with chemical solvents. There are low odour alternatives
to the strong solvent removers, but they may take much longer,
especially if the old coatings are thick and old.
- Carefully select your remover. Some
are formulated for specific jobs and will not perform
well in other applications.
- Follow all directions and safety
precautions for use and storage of these products. Some
products are highly flammable and all fire sources must
be extinguished prior to use.
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Heat Gun
Old coatings such
as paint and varnish can be removed with a heat gun, but
special care is required for safety. A dust sheet should
be placed on the ground under the entire work area and must
be kept damp by periodic misting with a garden hose. Also
lightly spray the area of the building where the coating
is to be removed. As the old coating bubbles up and softens,
carefully remove it with a putty knife. Place the hot softened
coating into a metal container for disposal. Wear goggles
or face mask for eye protection; use chemical resistant
gloves, long sleeve shirt and trousers to protect the skin;
and protect breathing with a respirator designed for use
with heat gun paint removal.
- Do not use a propane torch or a blow
torch, as they may pose serious fire hazards. Only use
a heat gun designed specifically for paint removal.Do
not remove old paint with a heat gun if you suspect it
could contain lead. The heat can vaporise the lead and
cause a health hazard.
- CAUTION: Be sure to take the appropriate
precautions when preparing surfaces which may contain
harmful materials such as lead or asbestos. See our recommendations
under the 'Prepare The Surface' section.
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