Painting a wall is very important it makes a bare wall look extraordinary when the right process and color is applied. But wall paint can get damaged or worn-off through time and many of us find ourselves the daunting task of repainting a wall. There will be some who are otherwise excited by this project and goes ahead and repaint the wall without removing the existing paint, which is not a good idea. Cracks and peeling will occur and eventually will add up with more work in hand. Listed below are some easy and practical steps to know on how to strip off old existing paint.
First, determine the type of the existing paint. During the 70’s lead paint were used in many homes so make sure that the paint does not contain lead. When lead paint is scraped, the lead particles can spread into the air. If this is breathed in, it can cause serious health problems. To confirm if there is lead in the paint, better consult the local health department in order for a test can be made.
If found that the paint is indeed lead paint, there will be a need to know the local guidelines to be followed. The options are either hire or not hire a professional to do the stripping. But if the later have been chosen, there will be a need for a protective gear.
But in the case that it’s not lead paint, there are several techniques to use:
- Heat stripping. This method requires a heat gun, scraper, safety gloves and fire extinguisher. Hold the heat gun close to the wall, this will soften the paint. Use the scraper to remove the softened paint, see to it to scrape at an angle in which it won’t damage the wall. When this process is finished, sand the remaining frayed areas. If ever a fire occurs, the fire extinguisher should be come in handy.
- Chemical removal. In this method safety precautions should be observed. Use safety equipment like safety goggles and gloves. Always read instructions and safety measures stated of the chemical to be used before applying. To start, apply the chemical to the wall then allow it to react with the paint. When the chemical has finally softened the paint, use a scraper to remove the paint then sand frayed areas to remove the remaining paint.
Hire a professional. This can also be a practical choice when it comes to stripping off old paint. Consider the cost of the tools and time invested when done without a professional. But if there are already available tools and one thinks he or she can handle it well, then proceed with the previous methods.