Procedure To Remove Paint From Wood Trim
Before starting to remove paint from wood trim, it is necessary for the user to be sure about the type of paint he is removing. There are two types of paint i.e. latex & oil-based and in order to remove both types of paint from wood trim, the user needs to follow the below-given procedure:
- Remove Latex Paint:
If the wood trim contains latex paint, the user needs to rub it with a rag containing denatured alcohol that can be purchased from a local hardware store. The user may need to apply extra force in order to remove old and thick latex paint but denatured alcohol will be enough to take the paint off. Apart from that, the denatured alcohol doesn't harm the wooden surface underneath. - Remove Oil-Based Paint:
In case, the paint cannot be removed with denatured alcohol, it is a clear indication that the paint is oil-based which can be removed by sanding lightly with fine grit sandpaper. The user needs to make sure that he doesn't dig inside the trim with over sanding. Also, the user needs to stop sanding when most of the paint will be removed from the wood trim even if there is some paint left. - Wipe Down The Paint:
After that, the user needs to wipe down the remaining paint with a rag containing mineral spirits. It is necessary for the user not to over-wet the wood because mineral spirits can damage the wood if they get soaked in. - Wipe Away Mineral Spirits:
The next step will be to wipe away the mineral spirits from the wood trim by using a clean damp cloth. The user needs to make sure that he doesn't leave the wood trim wet. If required, the user can dry the wood trim with a soft cloth. - Apply Finish:
While removing the paint from wood trim, if any of the trim gets discolored, the user can apply a matching stain to it or touch it up with matching wood finish repair pen.