Tools for Cracking & Blistering Paint on the Side of a House

Manual Paint-Removal Tools

• Brushes and scrapers are the primary tools for removing cracked and blistered paint from exterior siding. The suitable type and stiffness of paint-removal brushes' bristles depends on the paint's substrate. For example, removing paint from metal or masonry surfaces requires stiff, metal bristles. Alternatively, removing paint from wood siding requires softer bristles that abrade paint without damaging the underlying wood siding. Scraping tools effectively scoop paint chips that brushes cannot lift. Scraping tools range from standard putty knives to specially designed, sharp-edged knives.

Power Paint-Removal Tools

• Power paint-removal tools include task-specific abrasion tools, such as sandblasters and pressure washers, general-purpose sanding tools and abrasive attachments for multipurpose power tools. Homeowners can rent sandblasters and pressure washers from home-improvement warehouses and equipment-rental yards. Pressure washers remove damaged paint with a high-pressure blast of water, and sandblasters work with a continuous, high-speed spray of sand particles. Alternatively, multipurpose power tools, such as power sanders and angle grinders, accept a variety of sanding attachments and wire brushes that effectively remove cracked and blistered paint.

Paint-Removal Compounds

• Paint-removal compounds recognizable to most homeowners include paint thinner and turpentine. Although familiar compounds suffice for many paint-removal projects, paint products manufacturers continually develop stronger and more effective chemical compounds to address difficult jobs. Manufacturers market many of the strongest compounds as "paint strippers." Usually thick and gel-like in consistency, heavy-duty paint strippers remove stubborn, old or thick layers of paint and often cleanse or bleach the underlying siding materials.

Paint-Removal Safety

• Although only older paints contain lead, prolonged exposure to all types of paint dust and debris can lead to illness and injury, particularly respiratory damage. When removing cracking and blistering paint from exterior siding, homeowners must wear skin, eye and respiratory protection, including long-sleeved clothing, goggles and respirators. Importantly, homeowners must carefully avoid skin contact with paint-stripping compounds. Paint strippers are highly corrosive and many instantly damage skin.