How to Get Paint Off Dropped Ceiling Metal

Dropped ceilings are second ceilings installed below the pipes and electrical work to cover the pipes and electrical work while still allowing easy access for repairs. These are usually found in basements, classrooms or offices. They are built with a metal frame that holds fiber tiles and are suspended from chains. You can paint the fiber tiles to change the look of the room and if this happens, you might accidentally paint the metal frame as well. This is tricky to correct because of the small size and location involved. However, gel paint strippers are available that will adhere to the surface without running off.

Things You'll Need

• Trisodium phosphate
• Clean rags
• Gel paint stripper
• Paintbrush
• Putty knife

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wash the spot with trisodium phosphate on a rag to remove any dirt or cleaner residue. Rinse with plain water on a clean rag and dry thoroughly.

   • 2

     Apply a gel paint stripper to the paint using a small paintbrush. Apply a coat that is at least one-eighth-inch thick.

   • 3

     Leave the gel stripper on the paint for from 30 minutes to overnight, depending on how thick the paint is, how much moisture is in the room and what kind of paint was used. Follow the paint stripper's package instructions for more precise times.

   • 4

     Peel the paint off the metal using a putty knife.

   • 5

     Wash the spot with plain water to remove any stripper residue, and dry.