How to remove old paint from a wooden surface: the most effective ways

What you need to know before you start

Removing paint is a labor-intensive process, so professionals first recommend assessing how necessary it is. If the surface is painted only once, then it is enough to put a new layer of paint you like and not think about removing the old layer. It is enough just to work a little with sandpaper and lightly sand the surface before painting.

Builders also recommend finding out what type of wood the surface to be painted is made of, since some types of wood require a more careful approach. Sometimes it is necessary to treat the cleaned surface with special protective compounds so that the new coating lasts long and reliably.

If the surface is painted with dark colors, and the new color is light, then, of course, you cannot do without wood paint remover or other methods of removing the coating.

The set of necessary tools and devices to get started varies depending on which coating removal option the contractor chooses.

If the area is small, then most often they use a spatula Source kraski-net.ru

Example of a wash composition

As an example, let’s look at the capabilities of Docker Wood, a popular paint remover from wood. The composition is fast-acting: the effect occurs within 5-15 minutes. High-quality removal of many types of coatings, including water-dispersed and oil-based ones, is possible. For example, Docker Wood works well with pentaphthalic enamels with markings such as 115,133 and 126. The product contains special components that protect the wood from damage during paint removal.

Advantages of Docker Wood:

• versatility in relation to paint and varnish coatings;
• economical consumption (approximately 200 grams per square meter);
• gentle effect on wood;
• deep penetration, which is of great importance when removing multi-layer coatings;
• performance;
• no toxicity;
• fire safety;
• the drug retains its quality even after repeated defrosting;
• complete absence of odor;
• The wash works even at sub-zero temperatures (down to -7 degrees Celsius).

Note! Before use, as well as in case of defrosting, the drug must be stirred well.

Methods of application

Before applying the composition, prepare the surface. We remove dirt and dust using water and cleaning products. The washing material can be applied manually (brush, roller) or by immersion.

If you choose the manual method, apply the wash using a brush or other tool in a layer of 1-2 millimeters. After some time (5-15 minutes), remove the peeling paint with a stream of water or a spatula. We apply another (control) layer of remover and, after waiting a while, clean the surface again. If the paint does not lend itself, you can apply more than two layers of the stripping composition, but you should remember that the maximum contact time of the wood with the preparation is 2 hours.

Note! Wood should not be left to dry unless the stripper has been removed.

The coating can also be removed by immersion. To do this, pour “Docker Wood” into a suitable sized container and immerse the wooden part there. After 5-15 minutes, remove the paint layer in the same way as described above. In the case of dipping, the total time the wood is in the wash should not exceed half an hour.

Safety precautions

When working with Docker Wood, extra precautions should be taken:

1. Do not forget to use protective equipment against acid damage (safety glasses, apron, respirator, gloves).
2. If the drug gets on the skin or eyes, immediately rinse the affected surface with plenty of water and, if necessary, consult a doctor.

Storage Features

Docker Wood can be stored in its entire packaging at temperatures ranging from 0 to 30 degrees Celsius. The drug retains its quality for a year from the date of manufacture. If the package is opened, the remover must be used within 24 hours.

Paint Removal Options

Professionals highlight 4 options for how to clean old paint at home:

• mechanical;
• thermal;
• chemical;
• sandblasting method.

Any option has its advantages and disadvantages. Next, we analyze the features of each method.

Mechanical method of paint removal

If the varnish on the wood is all cracked, it can be removed with a spatula or metal scraper. It's easy and fast. But if the paint is hard enough that it cannot be removed by hand, then they resort to using a power tool. Most often, a grinder, grinder or drill is used. To do this, use attachments in the form of metal brushes or with a coating like sandpaper. With this method, paint is removed from wood using mechanical movements of the tool.

Sometimes, with particularly intense mechanical impact on the coating, the wood is damaged and preparatory work will need to be carried out for further painting.

The mechanical method is used very often, since these tools are universal and are used for various types of work, are inexpensive and many people have them in their pantry and garage.

Removing paint using a power tool Source remstroi-spb.ru

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in paints and varnishes

This method is convenient for cleaning products without recesses or grooves due to the fact that it will be problematic to clean the paint inside these cavities. For example, this will remove paint from pieces of furniture: a wooden table, chair or chest of drawers.

It is advisable to clean the surface in the fresh air, since this is a very dusty task and, of course, if the size of the product allows, it is better to take it outside. To avoid breathing difficulties, it is better to wear mucous membrane protection. This can be any type of respirator and goggles.

Thermal paint removal method

This option is suitable when a special construction hair dryer is available. In this case, the result can be obtained most quickly. It is enough to simply heat the area with paint with a stream of hot air from a hair dryer and remove the paint with a spatula. This method consists in the fact that when heated, the molecules are destroyed and the paint becomes soft.

This method is safe, despite heating the painted wooden surface with a hairdryer, the risk of fire is minimal. Therefore, you can work in the room.

Suitable for any size and shape of the product, hot air can easily penetrate into the internal cavities and melt the paint. This method can be used to clean mirror frames or doors that have decorative elements.

Work on removing paint with a gas torch Source sdelai-lestnicu.ru

If such a hairdryer is not available, you can rent it and thereby greatly simplify the task of removing old paint from a wooden surface. You can simplify the task by using a gas burner, but then you must strictly monitor fire safety because you will have to work with fire directly. The use of the burner indoors is strictly prohibited. We burn the painted wooden surface until bubbles appear. After this, the wood is also quickly cleaned with a spatula. The advantage of the thermal method is that the wood will not suffer any damage.

Chemical method of removing paint

When choosing this option for cleaning the surface of unnecessary paint, it is important to adhere to special safety measures, since a special chemical remover of paint from wood is used. The remover is a liquid that is applied with a roller to a wooden surface and wait for the time specified in the instructions. Typically this time is 60 minutes. Then all that remains is to remove the paint with a spatula. In this way you can remove different types of paint: oil, alkyd, enamel.

Types of paint removers Source ad-cd.net

Technology for removing old paint using a remover

Preparing the base

Before applying the remover, you must prepare the surface by following these steps:

• First of all, you need to clean the surface from dirt and dust.
• Then you should hide the metal parts from getting the mixture on them.
• If there is standing water on the surface, it must be wiped off thoroughly.

After treatment, the wash should be covered with oilcloth

Removing paint

Instructions for removing paint from wood using a remover are as follows:

• The composition is applied with a hard brush to the surface and distributed in an even, thick layer. The brush should be guided in one direction, trying not to pass it a second time over the already treated area.
• After the surface has been completely processed, to enhance the effect, it should be covered with film. As a rule, the surface should be left in this form for 4 hours, however, the time may vary depending on the type of composition. Therefore, the exact information can be read on the packaging.
• After this time, the paste should turn dark brown or brown. The paint should be removed using a spatula, starting from the edge of the surface. It should be borne in mind that the old coating must be disposed of.
• If it was not possible to completely clean the surface the first time, the procedure can be repeated again.
• After the wood is completely cleaned, it must be washed with a vinegar solution - add 100 ml of vinegar to half a liter of water.
• Then, after washing, you need to thoroughly wipe the surface with flannel and leave the product to dry in a draft, away from sunlight, so that the wood does not crack.

Note! Despite the fact that the chemical safety of removers is much higher than that of chemical reagents that were used before their appearance, the composition cannot be called environmentally friendly. Therefore, you should work with it outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and you must also avoid getting the chemical on your skin.

Removing paint after treatment with a remover

This completes the removal of old paint from wood. After the wood has completely dried, you can cover it with a layer of primer and begin painting.

Video description

This video clearly shows how paint remover works:
Sandblasting method for removing paint

High-quality paint removal using this method is performed only by experienced craftsmen, because beginners or amateurs can easily damage a wooden surface by incorrectly choosing the water pressure or the diameter of the abrasive particles.

The essence of this option is that the abrasive is directed under water pressure onto the surface for cleaning. Sand particles break the paint into dust, thereby carefully cleaning the wood. The surface is immediately ready for a new coating; there are no scratches or cracks left on it. In this way you can clear large areas of paint. This method is especially effective when removing paint in 4 – 5 layers.

The disadvantages of this option for removing paint are that you need special equipment, which is most often only available in construction companies. This work is not the most economical option for the wallet.

Repainting the frame after cleaning the paint Source yandex.net

Heat treatment

This method of processing wooden products is universal. It can be used to remove even dried or cracked paint. The method is suitable for cleaning hard-to-reach elements or large objects.

The following tools are used to perform the procedure:

1. Gas-burner. The device is used to process outdoor objects, such as entrance doors, facades, window frames, shutters. Working with an open flame increases the likelihood of a fire. The surface is treated with a burner until bubbles or streaks appear. The wood is cleaned of melted paint with a spatula or scraper.
2. Construction hairdryer. The tool may be used indoors. The device is connected to the electrical network, a stream of hot air is directed at the object. The paint melts, causing streaks or blistering areas. They are removed with a spatula. The tool is regularly cleaned of paint and varnish material, which makes further work easier. To remove paint in hard-to-reach places, use a metal brush of the required size. Removing the coating with a hairdryer is considered more effective. Unlike a burner, it does not burn the wood and leaves no marks.

Before starting treatment, the surface is prepared. The base must be cleaned with a stiff brush. The resulting dust is removed with a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth.

After treatment with a hairdryer or burner, wait until the coating dries and clean the base with fine-grained sandpaper. This helps eliminate any defects that have appeared. Wood is degreased with solvent or alcohol. This method of removing paint is well suited for preparing wooden objects for decoration.

Briefly about the main thing

Removing paint from a wood surface is a difficult process. Before starting work, you need to prepare the necessary tools and protective equipment. The choice of tool depends on the method of removing paint.

The mechanical method is well suited for updating the coating on furniture.

Heating and chemicals for carved surfaces, with stripes and niches.

The sandblasting method is ideal for large areas, for example, for cleaning clapboard walls.

How and with what to remove old paint from wood is up to the artist, but in any case, before starting work, try to clean an inconspicuous area of ​​the part to see the suitability of the chosen method and to avoid damage to the entire surface.

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Features of cleaning various types of surfaces

Different surfaces have their own characteristics that need to be taken into account when organizing work. Let's look at the most common options.

Doors

The best option for processing the door leaf is to dismantle it and move it to a special work area. If this is not possible, before removing old paint from a wooden door, it is best to treat it with a chemical compound or thermal method. This will reduce the number of microparticles that eat into the walls and ceiling during intensive mechanical cleaning.

Wooden floor

Processing floor coverings requires a large amount of time and physical labor. Before removing old paint from a wooden floor, you need to make sure you have a special grinding machine, which greatly simplifies the process of leveling the surface and removing the old layer. Using hand-held power tools slows down the process, reducing efficiency. Also, before removing paint from the floor, it is recommended to clear the room of furniture and foreign objects that can absorb dust and dirt generated during the removal process.

Window frames

When removing old paint from window frames, there is a risk of damaging the glazing, so using an angle grinder looks like a dubious prospect. The best option is to apply the remover, then carefully remove the coating with a spatula. This will preserve the window and ensure high-quality removal of the old layer.

Furniture

Removing paint from furniture is quite simple - this is due to its mobility and the ability to process it in a separate room. However, care must be taken to avoid damaging decorative elements and the soft structure of objects. The work uses one of the proposed removal methods, taking into account the specific composition of the paint, if it is known. For example, oil-based paint can be quickly removed chemically using white spirit.

Important: monitor the quality of the removal method, otherwise the new layer of paint will lie unevenly and highlight the defects of the old one.

When can you do without removing paint?

In a situation where you plan to update the coating, the old layer of which is in good condition, you can do without removing it. However, preparation will have to be carried out in any case.

So, when working with an oil base, you need to carefully sand it, removing irregularities and bumps, and then wash the surface to remove dirt. This will ensure high adhesion and allow you to apply an even layer of new paint.

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.

Which option should you prefer?

When giving preference to one or another method of cleaning, you need to start from the specific task that a person faces, 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.

If a person has enough time to carry out the work, then several methods can be used simultaneously: apply a chemical remover, and then clean off the remaining paint manually.