3 proven methods for removing old paint from wood

Removing paint from a wooden surface without damaging it is not an easy task, but you can cope with it if you know some of the features of the work.

There are several methods to achieve your goal. Paint is removed mechanically, thermally and chemically, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

How to remove the old one paint from a tree at home, you can learn from this article.

How to properly prepare for upcoming work?

It is wrong to immediately start removing paint from wood. First you need to prepare. Depending on the chosen cleaning method, The following tools and accessories may be required:

• personal protective equipment: goggles, gloves, mask, respirator;
• rags;
• spatula, sandpaper;
• construction hair dryer;
• drill or grinder;
• grinding machine and attachments;
• solvent.

When all the tools are collected, you need to think about the following points:

1. Work location. If a chemical cleaning method is intended, then it is best to do it outside or in a room with good ventilation.
2. Protection of surrounding objects and surfaces. They need to be covered with unnecessary cloth or plastic wrap.
3. Ease of access. If there is such a need, then the object being cleaned must be moved in advance.
4. Paint thickness. If the layer is thin, then new paint can be applied directly to it, without preliminary cleaning. It is better to remove thick coating. The preferred method is mechanical cleaning.
5. Duration of coating application. The old layer of paint can be easily removed from wood, so it should not be left behind. Otherwise, the new coating will lie unevenly and will peel off.

How and with what to remove it from a wooden surface?

There are 3 ways to remove paint from wood:

1. Mechanical method. It involves cleaning with some kind of device, for example, a grinder or a spatula.
2. Chemical. To remove the composition, special solvents are used.
3. Thermal. This method involves heating the paint, after which it can be easily removed.

In order not to damage the product or cause harm to health during work, you must follow the algorithm of actions that exists for each cleaning method.

You can learn how to remove old paint from a wooden floor Here, from wooden doors - here.

How to clean mechanically?

The mechanical cleaning method is the most accessible, but labor-intensive. It is implemented using various tools.

Removing paintwork with sandpaper:

• prepare several sheets of sandpaper with coarse and fine abrasives;
• sand the top layer with a coarse abrasive material;
• remove paint residues with fine abrasive paper.

When you have to process a surface of impressive size, it is more rational to use an angle grinder.

Features of its application:

1. Purchase an emery flap disc. To work, you will need several attachments at once, as they will become clogged with paint particles and sawdust.
2. Plug in the device and systematically process the surface of the wood.
3. You need to hold the grinder parallel to the product, with slight pressure.

If after cleaning there are small areas of paint left, they are cleaned manually using sandpaper or a stiff metal brush.

To remove the coloring composition mechanically, you can use a drill, grinder and spatula.

Advantages of mechanical cleaning:

• careful processing of the product;
• the ability to control the applied force;
• no odor;
• low cost of consumables.

How to quickly remove with chemicals?

To remove paint, you can use chemical removers. It is best to purchase products designed for wood processing.

General instructions for use:

1. Remove all dust and dirt from the surface.
2. Apply solvent to the product that needs cleaning. The most convenient way to do this is with a paint brush or roller.
3. Leave to have an effect. Times will vary depending on the lineup chosen. Most often, 20-30 minutes is enough.
4. Remove softened paint with a spatula.
5. Rinse off any remaining product with clean water.

If it was not possible to remove the composition the first time, then the procedure must be repeated.

Removers that can be used to remove paint from a wooden surface:

1. Docker Wood: wood paint remover. The cost of 5 liters of gel is 2700 rubles. This composition effectively removes any paint and varnish and does not harm the wood. The gel acts quickly, after 10 minutes you can start cleaning. The product is used very economically; its layer should not exceed 1-2 mm.
2. Syntrol: removing paint from wood. The cost of 1 kg of product is 740 rubles. This amount is enough to process 5 square meters. m. The wash is fast acting. You can begin removing paint 5-12 minutes after application.
3. Cleaner Novbytkhim. The cost of 0.5 liters is 115 rubles. This is a universal tool that can be used for working with wood. Its duration of action is 20-30 minutes.

You can purchase funds in construction stores and online markets.

• there is no need to exert significant physical effort;
• You can process uneven surfaces and hard-to-reach places;
• high speed of work.

The disadvantages of the method include financial costs and the release of toxic fumes into the air.

How to make a cleaner with your own hands?

You can prepare the cleaner yourself.

The simplest recipe:

• 2 parts ammonia;
• 1 part turpentine;
• the two components are mixed together and applied to the paint.

The product will begin to act in 20 minutes. The paint will foam and peel.If the layer is thick, then the exposure time is increased to 40 minutes.

Another recipe for preparing a homemade remover that is suitable for treating wooden surfaces:

• chalk;
• caustic soda;
• water;
• oatmeal to add thickness.

Thermal method

You can use a hair dryer to remove paint. Hot air comes out of it, under the influence of which the composition softens and can be cleaned off with a spatula.

Mode of application:

1. Connect the device to the network.
2. Point the hairdryer at the surface that needs treatment.
3. Wait until the paint softens.
4. Clean it off with a spatula.
5. Work through the entire product systematically.

In addition to a hairdryer, you can use an iron and foil, through which you heat the paint and scrape it off with a spatula. This method can only be used if small surfaces need cleaning.

Both paint and wood can catch fire, so use electrical appliances carefully. There should be water at hand, with which you can extinguish a starting fire.

Which option should you prefer?

When giving preference to one or another cleaning method, you need to start from the specific task, which stands before a person, namely:

1. If the surface needs high-quality treatment, then two methods are combined: first, the object is treated with a professional solvent, and then the areas are cleaned manually.
2. If you need to save money, clean it using sandpaper or using foil and an iron.
3. When safety comes to the fore, dry cleaning is chosen.

Features for different types of dyes

Depending on the type of dye, the methods for removing it will vary:

• oil compositions can be easily cleaned with a spatula or grinder;
• water-based paints susceptible to solvents;
• acrylic paint can be cleaned mechanically or chemically;
• powder paints are washed off with a powerful stream of water, for example, from a high-pressure washer;
• hair dye, which gets on a wooden surface, can be washed off with an alcohol solution.

It is most effective to remove several layers of different paint using the thermal method.

The most common mistakes

The most common mistakes people make When trying to remove paint from wooden surfaces:

1. Applying chemicals to the entire area at once. If the composition is used for the first time, then first you need to treat a small area.
2. Cleaning wood with too hard brushes or rough abrasive attachments. They can lead to rock destruction.
3. Long-term exposure of removers and solvents on a wooden surface. Even the most expensive and effective washes can lead to damage to the product. Therefore, leaving them for longer than 1-2 hours is not recommended.
4. Overheating of the surface when trying to remove paint using a thermal method. This situation is a fire hazard.
5. Using plastic containers when working with washes. Aggressive compounds can lead to their damage.

Important Tips

To ensure that the process of removing paint from wood is effective and safe, The following recommendations must be followed:

1. Do not press on the surface of the product with great force. This is true for the mechanical cleaning method.
2. Always use personal protective equipment.
3. Protect floors and surroundings with plastic film.
4. Do not heat the wall in the area of ​​wiring and electrical appliances.
5. After applying the remover, the surface must be washed with clean water.
6. If aggressive substances come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes, rinse them immediately with plenty of water.

By following these recommendations, you can efficiently remove paint from any surface.

Video on the topic

Several basic ways to remove old paint from wooden surfaces in the video:

Conclusion

Removing paint from wooden surfaces is not difficult if you approach the issue wisely. By choosing the optimal method and following safety rules, you can quickly and inexpensively cope with the task.

It is imperative to take into account the type of paint, the thickness of the applied layer and the time that is planned to be allocated for the upcoming work.