4 Easy Methods Of Removing The Paint From Wood
Removing paint seems to be a very hard task. Below you will learn easy methods for removing the paint from wood. Try any of the below-mentioned methods and check which one is better and effective.
Dry The Wood
The first step of the process is to make sure that the wooden surface is not wet. If it is wet then dry it up with the help of a cloth or use a hair drier or it can be dried even with the help of a heat gun, keep the gun at a safe distance from the wooden surface to avoid any of the burn marks or hapless fires. Also, wear the working gloves all the time to avoid any kind of blisters or splinters, and wear the face masks.
Sanding Method
- Get A Sandpaper With Two Types Of Grains: Purchase sandpaper having the rough side to do the initial work for getting rid of all the undesired paint and also smooth sandpaper to finish up the sanding and will help to polish the wooden surface if needed that will appear underneath. Simply begin the sanding with the rough side and then the soft one. Do not sand too hard because the friction can cause heat.
- Electric Sander: The other option for the sanding is to use the electric sander, this is due to the fact that sanding is a very hard as well as a frustrating job because the sandpaper will get clogged up with the paint quickly. It is highly advisable to perform the soft sanding after the user is done with the old paint. Also, make sure to sand in the wood grain directions, if the user will not sand in wood grain direction then they will scratch the wood surface and will ruin the whole project.
- Cleaning: After finishing the sanding as well as polishing if needed, then get rid of all the wood dust on the wooden surfaces simply by dusting the wood with the help of a rug lightly damped in paint solvent. If in case the wooden surface is a small object, that time dust it with a brush or blow it away.
Heat Gun Method
- Safety Gears: This is regarded as dangerous but is easier method. Make sure to wear gloves, goggles as well as a face mask before performing this method and it is also very important to make sure that water is close to the wooden surface doesn't catch fire. While using the heat gun place it about 6 to 8 inches above the painted wooden surface.
- Warm Small Areas: Apply the heat on a small area of the wood but it is important to not apply too much heat so the wood does not turn crisp or there is a burn mark. Slowly move the gun over the surface in the back and forth motion. Continue passing the heat gun to the side-to-side as well as in up-and-down without ceasing.
- Scrape The Paint: Once the old paint becomes tender due to the heat, now scrape the paint up after it wrinkles. After the paint begins to wrinkle and bubble, quickly scrape the paint up with the help of a broad paint scraper.
- Stay Calm If A Fire Starts: If in case the fire started they are usually in small flames. Then, turn off the plugs first and then move out the heat gun after that sprinkle the water on the fire.
Chemical Stripper Method
- Chemical Stripper Type: The other option is to use the chemical stripper. It is important to select the right type of stripper as they vary for the purpose. While the applying procedure is almost the same for most of the chemical paint strippers, but the exact details may vary. It is a good idea to always follow the instructions that are on the paint stripper. The liquid chemicals are mostly applied in spray form and are used to clean the coatings or a couple of layers.
- Shake: Before applying the stripper shake the can properly and then pour all the content onto an open type of container like tray.
- Apply: Saturate the paintbrush with enough liquid to cover up a medium-sized wooden area in a number of strokes. The user can also use a spray but it is advisable to spray about 4 inches away from the wood. Cover the wooden surface with the liquid using the coated paintbrush. Apply the paint stripper only in one direction. Do not apply over areas that have been already covered by stripper.
- Leave The Stripper: Wait for about 30 minutes to one hour but this can vary on how much liquid is applied and the paint will start softening.
- Scrape Off The Paint: First of all rub the blade of a paint scraper on the wooden surface in a circular motion and the scraper easily cuts the paint, then the chemical has worked correctly. Then, use a painters spatula to scrape off all the softened paint. At last, sand the surface with the help of sandpaper with an electric sander for flat surfaces or by hand on carved or difficult areas.
Scraping Method
- Paint Is Thick: This method works well in situation where the paint is thick or is in large amounts like blob.
- Sharpen The Scraper: Scraping the scraper across a metal surface but in a direction where the tip can become sharper will help to make the scrapper sharper. Do the scraping both ways. It should be now easier to scrape the paint off.
- Scrape: Please be careful during these steps this is because the scraper can scrape the wood with the paint. This method is mostly good if the wooden surface is polished or if it a wooden floor.