Stripping paint off walls is a necessary step in renovation work. Irrespective of whether you're looking to repaint or just expose the walls underneath, stripping paint is littered with difficulties. Some substrates, like wood, can be very hard to strip paint off. However, this guide will give you the know-how to strip paint off walls and choose the final finish effectively.
Safety first
Before you embark on any paint-stripping project, it’s crucial to prioritise your safety and the safety of anyone else in the vicinity. The first step is to gear up with the appropriate protective equipment. Wearing gloves protects your hands from sharp tools, chemical burns, or hot surfaces. Eye protection, such as safety goggles, is necessary to shield your eyes from chemical splashes, flying debris, or dust particles. Since some paint removal methods can release harmful fumes or dust, a respirator or a dust mask is critical to prevent inhalation of these potentially toxic substances. Next, ensure that the area is well-ventilated. Open all available windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. If possible, set up a fan to help direct the airflow outwards, which will help to disperse fumes more quickly. Proper ventilation is particularly vital when using chemical strippers or heat guns as they can emit strong odours and harmful vapours. Additionally, it's important to protect your surroundings. Lay down drop cloths or thick plastic sheeting to cover the floor and any furniture that cannot be removed from the room. This will help to catch any falling paint chips, dust, or chemical drips, making cleanup easier and preventing damage to carpets, flooring, and other surfaces.
Stripping paint off walls - the five methods
Sanding
Sanding is one of the most commonly employed methods for removing old paint and preparing walls for a fresh coat. It is particularly effective for smoothing out surfaces where the paint is still in good condition but may have issues like drips, uneven layers, or an excess build-up that could affect the finish of new paint. Sanding helps remove these imperfections and enhances the adhesion of new paint, ensuring a longer-lasting finish.
For efficient sanding, you have several tools at your disposal. These tools are particularly beneficial for large areas, as they save time and reduce the physical effort required compared to manual sanding. Manual hand sanders are also an option for areas requiring more precise handling or for those who prefer a hands-on approach. These are ideal for reaching corners and detailed areas where larger sanders may not reach.
If you are dealing with high walls or ceilings, consider using a sanderhead attached to an extension pole. This setup allows you to reach elevated areas without the need for constant repositioning of ladders, thus enhancing safety and efficiency. Regardless of the tool chosen, it’s advisable to use fine-grade sandpaper, such as 180 grit, which is coarse enough to remove the paint yet fine enough to leave a smooth surface ideal for repainting.
Sanding can be quite messy, generating a substantial amount of dust. To manage this, always wear a protective dust mask or a respirator to avoid inhaling dust particles. Attach a dust extraction bag to your electric sander or connect it to a vacuum cleaner if available. This helps control the spread of dust, keeping your working environment cleaner and safer.
Use a scraper
Using a scraper is a straightforward method for removing paint from walls, especially when dealing with flaking, peeling, or bubbling paint. This technique can be particularly effective if the old paint has already begun to lose its adherence to the wall surface. A scraper allows you to manually remove these loose paint sections without needing power tools or chemicals, making it an excellent option for smaller areas or detailed work. It's important to choose the right tool for effective scraping. A set of wallpaper scrapers may be more appropriate for those dealing with only small areas or needing finer control. These tools are designed to be gentle on your walls while effectively removing paint. The technique is key when using a scraper. You should work the tool in all directions over the area you're treating, applying moderate pressure to lift off the paint. Don't dig into the plaster or wallboard beneath the paint layer. This requires a balance of firm pressure and a careful angle to avoid damaging the underlying surface. You can pair a scraper with other methods to enhance its effectiveness, especially in tougher situations. For instance, applying heat from a heat gun or a steamer to soften the paint can make the scraping process much easier. This combination approach helps efficiently remove thicker or more stubborn layers of paint.
Chemical stripper
Chemical paint strippers are powerful solutions for removing tough, stubborn, or multiple layers of paint, making them ideal for oil-based paints, varnishes, and enamels. These products break down the paint's chemical bonds, simplifying the removal process. When selecting a chemical paint stripper, it's important to choose one that matches the type of paint and surface you're working on.
To use chemical paint strippers effectively, ensure the area is well-ventilated; open windows and use fans to circulate air. Protect floors and furniture with dust sheets or plastic. Wear protective gloves and a respirator mask, and apply the stripper generously with a brush or roller, adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines on application thickness and setting time.
Once the stripper has reacted with the paint—typically indicated by bubbling or loosening—you can remove the paint using a heavy-duty scraper. A long-handled scraper can be particularly useful to avoid excessive bending or stretching.
Safety is critical when handling chemical strippers. In addition to wearing gloves and a respirator, ensure you have eye protection and long sleeves to guard against splashes, which can be corrosive and cause skin burns. After removing the paint, neutralise the stripper's chemical action if required by the product instructions and wash the wall thoroughly to eliminate any residual chemicals. This step ensures the wall is perfectly prepared for a new coat of paint or any further treatment.
Heat gun
Another effective method for stripping paint is using a heat gun. This method is particularly beneficial for removing paint from wood surfaces and plaster walls. Heat guns emit a stream of hot air, softening the paint and making it easier to scrape away. This method is handy for thick, old paint resistant to other techniques.
To start, setting the heat gun to a suitable temperature is crucial. Avoid excessively high temperatures, as this could damage the underlying material, especially with plaster walls, which can crack or crumble under extreme heat. A moderate setting is usually sufficient to soften the paint without causing damage. Hold the heat gun about 10 cm (approximately 4 inches) away from the wall and move it slowly in a circular or sweeping motion. The paint starts to bubble and lift from the surface, indicating it is ready to be scraped off.
Using a paint scraper with the heat gun is essential as you work. Apply the heat to a small wall section, then immediately remove the softened paint. This technique requires some coordination and timing to ensure the paint does not cool and re-harden, which would necessitate reapplying the heat.
When using a heat gun, safety is paramount. The tool can become extremely hot, posing a risk of burns. Always wear heat-resistant gloves and keep your hands safe from the nozzle. Eye protection is also advisable to shield your eyes from hot paint chips or debris that might fly off during scraping. Additionally, keep the workspace well-ventilated to avoid the buildup of fumes, especially in enclosed spaces.
Lastly, do not concentrate the heat in one area for too long. This can prevent damage to the plaster or wood beneath the paint and ensure a smoother overall process.
Steamer
A wallpaper steamer is a particularly effective tool for stripping paint from walls, especially when dealing with layers that are difficult to remove using other methods. The steamer works by releasing hot steam onto the wall's surface, which penetrates through the paint layers, softening them for easier removal. To use a steamer for paint removal, start by setting up the device according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most steamers come with a pad that you apply directly to the wall. Place the steamer pad against the paint-covered area and leave it in place for about 30 seconds to allow the steam to work into the paint. After the initial application, gently scraping a test area to check if the paint has softened sufficiently. If the paint remains hard, reapply the steamer for a longer period until the paint softens. When using a steamer, it’s important to start from the top of the wall and gradually work your way down. This method ensures that you are always working in an area where the paint has been sufficiently softened, which simplifies the removal process. It also prevents you from working beneath areas where hot water might drip down due to the steaming. The steam and the device itself can cause burns if not handled correctly. Always wear protective gloves that are resistant to heat, and consider wearing long sleeves to protect your arms. Furthermore, ensure the room is well-ventilated to handle the moisture released during the steaming process. A well-ventilated room helps to dissipate any fumes from underlying paint layers.
Now that you've stripped the paint off the walls, which one do you choose to replace it with?
There are plenty of options in the paint department. We would recommend either silicone paint or lime paint. We currently stock EWI Pro Silicone Paint and hope to have internal and external variations of EWI Pro Lime Paint in stock soon. Both offer similar benefits, with the primary one being breathability. Lime-based products are notorious for their breathability. However, they possess other functional benefits. Lime paint is made from natural lime putty, which means it is non-toxic, free from VOCs, and has a naturally high pH, which makes it mould-resistant. Lime also possesses great aesthetic appeal, with subtle variations in tone and texture, adding depth and character to walls. Silicone paint is more durable and more often used externally. However, it has the benefit of being hydrophobic, which means it seals in some systems like Mineral Render. This characteristic can also be used internally, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
