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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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STRIPPING PAINT

Stripper vs. Heat Gun

Which is better for stripping wood trim—a chemical stripper or a heat gun?
Chemical stripping is usually the best method to use if you intend to stain and varnish the wood. It's also a good choice if the original finish was a varnish. If the original finish was paint, you could be in for a big job that might not be worth the effort. It's often difficult to completely strip paint from the pores, cracks, and joints in wood. For the best results, you have to take the woodwork down and strip it piece by piece.

Even if you intend to repaint, chemical strippers often still work better than heat guns. With heat, it's easy to burn the wood while stripping intricate areas. Chemical strippers are better for preserving fine woodwork details because they lift paint from curves and other hard-to-scrape areas, rather than melting it off. But be careful. Elaborate trim in Victorian-style homes is often made of plaster, which will be ruined by a chemical stripper if you mistake it for wood. Also, chemical strippers contain hazardous components, so you need good ventilation and protective : gear. Wear heavy rubber gloves, goggles, and a respirator whenever you work with these substances.

Stripping paint with a heat gun is usually faster and less messy than chemical stripping if you want to remove lots of paint layers. It's also a good choice if you intend to repaint. While a heat gun is harsher on details than chemical strippers, you can fill nicks and gouges with wood putty, then sand them smooth. A fresh coat of paint will hide whatever remains of most blemishes.

Don't strip paint that contains lead. The heat can vaporize the lead. Vaporized lead can be inhaled, making it dangerous. Keep a bucket of water nearby in case the heat gun starts a fire. Avoid pointing a heat gun toward a window because the heat can break the glass.

Stripping Woodwork

How can I remove paint from wood trim with a chemical stripper without harming the floors or walls?
It's virtually impossible to completely protect floors and walls from chemical paint remover unless you take down the woodwork and strip it elsewhere. If possible, remove the woodwork and lay it flat in a well-ventilated place (like a garage). This will make the job safer for you and easier to clean up. If you can't remove the woodwork and need to strip it on site, tape off the walls and floor with masking tape, plastic, and newspaper. Roll up and replace the newspaper as the sludge accumulates. Expect to recaulk and repaint around the edges.

Apply the stripper thickly enough to cover all the paint. If you give it plenty of time to work, the paint should come right off. Use a putty knife to remove sludge from flat surfaces. A cotton swab or toothpick can be used to clean out carved details. Lightly scrub the wood with soapy water to remove loose paint, varnish, stain, and stripper. Wipe away remaining sludge with a damp sponge rinsed in clear water. Dry the wood with a clean cloth. Sand with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any raised grain and to clean the surface.

*To strip trim in place, tape off the walls with masking tape and newspaper. Tape off the floor with masking tape, plastic, and replaceable layers of newspaper.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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TITLE: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture Store

Home Improvement Category: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself

Shopping Mall: Home Improvement offers do-it-yourself Home Improvement guide and store, Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself Store

Home Improvement Topics: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself