Tips for Removing Old Paint

Anytime you paint a surface, removing the old paint is necessary to ensure proper adhesion of the new paint. However, this process can be time consuming and it may try your patience.

The first thing you need to do is to determine the type of paint used to paint the surface. Latex, oil based, water based or lead based. If you aren't sure what type of paint was used, it is best to assume that it is lead based if the surface may have been painted before 1990.

Lead Based Paint Removal

The only safe way to remove old lead based paint is to chemically remove it. Sanding it isn't safe at all as it releases lead particles into the air. Those particles can cause respiratory problems if they are inhaled. Sanding the paint will also enable the dust to settle on other surfaces, which is also hazardous.

So, to get the lead paint off, you will have to use a strong paint thinner or mineral spirits. Now, that isn't to say that those chemicals are completely safe. There are hazards to using them. You must ensure that the area in which you work is well ventilated. That means working outdoors, if possible or opening all the windows if you must work indoors.

When you are removing the paint, work in small circular motions. There is always the possibility of missing paint if you use a seesaw motion to remove it, as paint may get stuck in the crevasses.

Any Other Paint

Paint that isn't lead based can be removed by sanding it off. On some surfaces, such as metal, wet sanding is possible. However, on walls and wood surfaces, dry sanding is a better option.

When you sand the paint off the surface, use circular motions. Choose a sandpaper with a 600 or 800 grit on an orbital or belt sander. As you sand, keep light, even pressure on the sander. This prevents grooves and nicks in the surface.

Cleaning Up

Regardless of the method you use to remove the old paint, you will have to clean the surface before repainting. One way to do this is to clean the surface with a mixture of one gallon of water with a half cup of dishwashing liquid mixed in. Simply sponge the mixture onto the surface. Dry the surface off after you wipe the entire surface with the sponge.

Once you have cleaned the area with the mixture, you will have to rinse it with clean water. Use a clean sponge when you do this. Even if you rinse the sponge you originally cleaned with, there will still be residue from the dishwashing liquid, which defeats the purpose of rinsing the surface.

After you clean the surface, allow it to dry and then repaint it.