How to remove paint from a wooden surface?

If you started a repair or just decided to update the interior, then the question will inevitably arise about removing old materials before updating. If we talk about paint, it is quite easy to remove it from hard metal or concrete. But the porous tree is less obedient material. We will figure out how to remove paint from a wooden surface, and whether it should be done.

to contents ↑

Delete or not?

Before painting a tree, it is worth considering whether to apply a new layer on top, or first remove the old one? The answer is not simple - first you need to evaluate the state of the previous layer:

1. If it is even, thin enough and has no visible damage - then you can process it with sandpaper, and this will be enough for painting with the same type of paint.
2. If the layer is covered with cracks, the old paint swollen in places or a tree is visible through it - it needs to be removed, the material must be cleaned and primed before the new painting.
3. If you decide to paint the tree with a different type of dye, then the old layer also needs to be removed.

In any case, it is better to study the materials, how to remove old paint from a wooden surface, and only then make a decision.

to contents ↑

Methods for removing old paint

To properly remove paint from a wooden surface, you must choose the right method. A lot of factors influence which option to give preference to, which, if possible, should be taken into account as much as possible.

Factors:

• Type of tree.
• Features of its decoration.
• Type of colorant applied to the surface.
• The thickness of the paint.
• How firmly the paint adheres to the surface.
• Budget repair activities.

Important! In order to accurately determine the type of coloring matter and determine the number of layers applied, additional experimental tests may be required.

But first you need to clarify what tools will be required when performing work.

to contents ↑

Tools and materials

In order for the new paint coat to lie evenly and not have to be repainted, it is necessary to remove the old paint from the wooden surface. To do this, you need to prepare well and collect the necessary tools in advance. It should be noted that for different methods of removing paint, various devices will be needed.

Instruments:

• Metal spatula, scraping.
• Construction hair dryer.
• Drill with a grinding nozzle.
• Grinder with a grinding disc.
• Solvent.
• Protective glasses.
• Overalls.
• Gloves.

The choice of the necessary fixtures will depend on the amount of work and how to remove the old layer.

to contents ↑

Removal Options

There are three main methods by which you can remove the old coat of paint from wood. It’s better not to rush, and learn all the ways before starting work.

Ways:

1. Chemical method. It implies the use of special solvents and reagents, for example, a special tool for removing paint from wood.
2. Thermal method. Cleans a painted surface due to exposure to high temperature.
3. The mechanical method. This is an option in which you have to work with your hands. When it is applied to the old paint layer mechanically.

Let's consider all methods in more detail.

to contents ↑

Chemical way

How and with what can I dissolve and remove old paint? - There are many options.The bottom line is the use of solvents, concentrates, mixtures and reagents that soften and destroy old paint to a state where it is easy to remove.

Basic Rules:

1. It is most convenient to apply reagents with a paint brush or a finely nap roller.
2. After application, wait a while for the reagents to begin to act. Removal of softened paint occurs using scraper or spatula.
3. Before using this method, it is necessary to take into account security measures:
   • work only in a well-ventilated place;
   • protect respiratory organs with a respirator;
   • prevent skin contact.

Important! Of the advantages of this method, one can note its speed, ease and lack of physical activity. Of the minuses, it is worth noting that the price of reagents is often not cheap, and their disposal can cause difficulties. Also a minus is that most substances are toxic, have a pungent odor, and if not used carefully, can cause poisoning.

There are options when the tool can be done on its own. For example, from potassium carbonate and lime. But home-made substances do a much worse job than their purchased counterparts.

Example:

You can remove the paint chemically using the most common alkali - caustic soda.

To do this:

• gloves
• overalls;
• hitching;
• solution brush;
• capacity in order to dilute the solution;
• the alkali itself.

Application:

1. It is necessary to put on protective clothing and protective equipment, then prepare an alkaline solution in the container and brush it on the old paint.
2. Then you should wait a bit - as soon as the first bubbles appear on the surface, it can be removed with a spatula.
3. Be careful, it is important not to damage the tree with metal objects. After the procedure, the surface must be degreased.

Important! If the paint layer is very thick, then the best option would be to make a paste based on caustic soda. To do this, an aqueous alkali solution is prepared and, after dissolution, oat flour is added to it, and mixed until the liquid becomes pasty. Such a tool can be applied to stubborn paint or hard to reach places. You will have to wait a little longer than in the first case, but after a while the paint will definitely come off, and you will only have to wash the surface.

to contents ↑

Thermal option

If you have a building hair dryer, then removing old paint from a tree will not be difficult. The method of action is very simple:

1. We connect the building hair dryer.
2. We warm the painted surface with hot air.
3. Under the influence of the paint softens and bubbles appear on its surface.
4. Without stopping to supply hot air, the paint begins to be removed with a spatula.

For those who could not find a building hair dryer, there is a more budget option for this method. For him, you need an ordinary foil and iron. The foil leans against the old layer of paint, and through it, through the fabric, conduct a heated iron.

Important! The advantage of this method is its low cost (taking into account that you will not begin to purchase a building hair dryer), easy operation with the device.

Of the minuses, a high fire hazard can be noted, so when using this option, be sure to consider the ability to quickly extinguish a fire.

Another disadvantage of the method is the impossibility of using it next to electrical appliances, sockets, and when removing dyes from plastic.

to contents ↑

Mechanical method

If it is not possible to remove the old paint by previous methods, there is an option to remove the old coating by physical exposure. The process is quite long, but it can be significantly accelerated if you do not act manually, but work with electrical appliances that will help in removing paint.

Of these electronic assistants, you can use a grinder with a special grinding disk, on which sandpaper is worn.

Advice:

1. In addition to sandpaper, you can use other abrasive materials.
2. Remember about precautionary measures - protect yourself from dust with a respirator, goggles, protective clothing and gloves.
3. To reduce dust, spray the surface with spray water.
4. When working with this method, it is important to understand what type of wood you are painting. Some soft breeds may simply not withstand rough handling and their surface will be severely damaged.
5. It should also be borne in mind that when choosing a coarse-grained sandpaper, the surface can be severely scratched or cavities may appear on it. To avoid this, it is necessary to choose smaller sandpaper and work without applying strong pressure.
6. If scratches or depressions cannot be avoided, the surface can be primed or treated with a special putty for wood.
7. If possible, mechanical removal of paint from wooden surfaces is best done outdoors.

Important! A plus of the method is the possibility of its application over a large area.

The disadvantage of this option is its labor cost and the possibility of severe damage to the tree.

All methods can be combined with each other, and used as removing old paint from wooden surfaces mechanically to a solvent, and before heat treatment.

to contents ↑

Not recommended

When it becomes clear how and how to remove old paint from a wooden surface, it is important to study options that professionals do not recommend for use for various reasons:

1. Thermal option using open sources of fire. This method is too fire hazard, even on an industrial scale. Removing paint in this way is too aggressive - it can cause, if not fire, then drying out of the wood and breaking the structure of the wood. This, in turn, either spoils the product, or greatly reduces its service life.
2. During heat treatment, wood can release various resins that easily ignite and also create an undesirable film on the surface. A tar film can be a serious obstacle when applying a new coat of coloring materials.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

When choosing a removal method, it is important to weigh the pros and cons, and be guided by safety requirements. If everything is done correctly, the result will not be long in coming, and you will be able to decorate the wooden surface the way you want.