5 Paint Stripping Tips For Wood

How to Strip Paint from Wood Furniture or Walls

Removing paint from wood can’t be that hard, right? Unfortunately all 5 tips to help you strip paint from wood involve you getting your hands dirty. There are various methods when it comes to paint stripping, and we’ll go over some of the easier ways to strip paint.

Materials You Will Need (Paint Removal Tools)

Safety Goggles
Gloves
Face Mask
Electric Sander
Sandpaper
Rags
Broom
Blower
Heat Gun
Bucket of Water
Paint Scraper
Varnish
Paintbrush
Chemical Stripper
Lacquer Thinner

1. Sand the Paint to Remove It

You can remove paint from wood with sandpaper. Using an electric sander will make the process of paint removal faster than by hand.
Sand with the rough grain first and then use the soft grain, which will polish the wood afterwards.
When sanding, follow the wood grain so you don’t ruin the wood siding.
Brush the surface clean with a rag and use a broom and blower to get rid of the excess debris.

2.Three Coats of Varnish

Using a paintbrush, apply the varnish using criss-crossing strokes.
After letting the first coat dry, sand it off, then apply another coat. Repeat the process once more after that. These three coats of varnish help penetrate and remove the paint from the wood siding.
After sanding the wood for the last time wipe it clean.

3. Paint Stripping with a Heat Gun

Using a heat gun is one of the easier methods to remove paint from wood. However, it can be tricky for the inexperienced because it does require a lot of precaution. Make sure you know how to use a heat gun on wood siding and follow these instructions very closely to avoid any accidents.
Wear safety goggles, a face mask, and gloves to protect your face and hands. Keep a bucket of water close by just in case.
Your goal is to heat the wood without burning it, and the heat gun should be carefully positioned 6 to 8 inches above the surface of the painted wooden siding.
Move the heat gun side to side from top to bottom, or vice versa.
The heat will cause the paint to bubble. Scrape it off with a paint scraper and continue until all has been removed.
Sand the surface smooth.

4. Scrape Away Paint from Siding

This is a valid way to remove paint from wood, but using a scraper can tire you out quickly and is not recommended when handling a large area.
Scrape the paint off of the wood in straight lines.
Remember that you will need to sharpen your scraper often.
Once you have finished, clean the surface and sand it smooth.

5. Chemical Stripper/Lacquer Thinner

Find the right stripper for this project based on the wooden surface you’ll be stripping the paint from.
Shake the can of chemical stripper and pour it into a container. Use a paintbrush to apply it to the surface. If you use a spray, try to spray it 3-5 inches away from the surface.
When applying the chemical stripper make sure to brush in one direction, never coating the same spot twice.
After application you normally need to wait half an hour to an hour for the results to show.
Once enough time has passed scrape away the paint in a circular motion.
If you are using lacquer thinner put on gloves before soaking a cotton ball in the substance. Apply it to the wooden surface to remove the paint.
Wash the wood surface and sand smooth.

Hint for stripping paint:

Make sure that the wooden surface is dry. It is much more difficult to strip paint when wet.

With these paint stripping tips for wood you have the knowledge to help you no matter which method you choose. If you would like some assistance with this give Home Painters Toronto, a top rated Residential and Commercial Painting Contractor in Toronto, a call!

Call us NOW at 416-494-9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com for a free consultation about your strip paint issues.

Call us NOW! (416) 494 9095

5 Paint Stripping Tips For Wood