How to Remove Old Paint from Wood: The Best Methods from Experienced Craftsmen

Paintwork needs to be renewed from time to time, but in order for the new paint layer to lay evenly and last longer, it is necessary to remove the old paint.

In theory, everything seems simple, but in practice this procedure presents certain difficulties.

For example, many life hacks that amateurs recommend not only do not work, but can also cause harm. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the methods used by experienced masters.

Method one: chemical

Paint stripper is a special chemical that helps to peel off the coating from the wood and then easily remove it with a spatula. However, there are a few nuances to consider when using it.

1. You shouldn't skimp on the remover. After using most cheap compounds, a film forms on the wood surface that is difficult to remove, and you can't apply a new layer of paint on it.

2. There are liquid and gel compositions. Both can be used on horizontal surfaces. For vertical surfaces, it is better to take gel ones, since liquid ones will flow down.

3. Work should be done with gloves. The products are aggressive, so when they come into contact with the skin they cause unpleasant sensations and can provoke allergies.

Method two: thermal

Paints peel off when heated strongly. This is an ideal way to remove enamels. They are removed in large "flaps" when heated. It is a little more difficult to remove oil paint using this method, but it is also possible.

You will need a spatula and a building hair dryer. Usually 200-300 degrees of heating is enough for the coating to start to come off.

To do this, you need to direct a stream of hot air at an angle of approximately 45 degrees in the opposite direction from the spatula, which is used to lift the layer of softened paint.

The stream of hot air should partially hit the metal part of the spatula and partially hit the area of paint that it is scraping off.

The work is long and boring, but at least there is no dust or chemical exposure.

Method three: mechanical

This method is removal with an abrasive. If the surface is small, you can do it manually with sandpaper. For example, if you need to remove paint on carved elements or small objects.

For large, flat surfaces, it is most convenient to use a grinding machine with an abrasive wheel attached to it.

The problem is that this method is dusty and not suitable for every paint. For example, oil paint will sit on the disk, instantly putting it out of order. You will need a lot of disks.

Therefore, craftsmen use one of the first two methods, and then remove the remains with a grinder, while polishing the surface.

The effectiveness of each method depends on the type of paint, so you will have to experiment to find the best option for a particular coating.

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• 6 February 2023

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