Paint Stripping & Removal

Chemical Stripper

• 1

  Purchase the appropriate a chemical stripper to loosen the paint. Chemical strippers work better on small or intricate areas or when you are only trying to strip a single layer of paint. If using a chemical stripper, make sure to pick the right stripper for the job. For example a methylene chloride stripper works well on multiple layers of paint and works quickly but gives off highly toxic fumes and should only be used outside. "Safe" strippers are much safer to use indoors but can take up to 24 hours to provide results.

• 2

  Put on appropriate chemical resistant gloves. Some chemical strippers are highly toxic and can damage exposed skin.

• 3

  Prepare your work area. If working inside, remove all furniture from the room and place a cloth drop cloth or newspaper down under the area where you will be working. You should also crack the windows in the room to allow proper ventilation. If working outside, you may also wish to use a drop cloth to make clean up easier.

• 4

  Pour the stripper in a plastic container. Using an old paint brush, apply the stripper liberally to the paint moving in one direction. Wait for the paint to bubble and then scrape the paint off with your scraper. Rinse the wood with a mineral based rinse to remove any residual chemicals after scraping.

• 5

  Clean up the paint shavings once you have scraped the paint off. Contact your local trash removal office to find out the procedure for disposal of old paint. Many areas require that you dispose of old paint at a special facility.

Heat Gun

• 6

  Obtain a heat gun. Heat guns are a good way to loosen many layers of paint on a large surface but can be time consuming and potentially dangerous. Heat guns can often be rented at a local hardware store or purchased if you wish to make the investment.

• 7

  Prepare your work area. Remove any furniture if working inside. A cloth drop cloth should be used under the area you are working on. Do not use newspaper as it could catch fire.

• 8

  Hold the heat gun about five inches away from the paint. When the paint begins to bubble, move on to the next area. With your other hand, scape the paint off where you applied the heat. Continue applying the heat to a small area at a time, scraping the paint off as you go.

• 9

  Clean up the paint shavings once you have scraped the paint off. Contact your local trash removal office to find out the procedure for disposal of old paint. Many areas require that you dispose of old paint at a special facility.