In order for the decorative coating to turn out beautiful and last long enough, it must be properly formed. All work traditionally begins with the preparation of the foundation. To do this, you need to know how to remove paint from the walls so as not to harm the base. Cleaning can be done in a variety of ways, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. They should definitely be compared when choosing the appropriate option for your home.
Read in the article
- 1 Is it always necessary to remove old paint when painting walls
- 2 Mechanical paint removal methods
- 2.1 Peeling off the paint with a hand tool
- 2.2 We remove paint with a power tool
- 2.2.1 How to remove the paint with a drill and grinder with nozzles
- 2.2.2 How to sandblast paint
- 3 Thermal paint stripping technology
- 3.1 How to remove paint with an industrial hair dryer
- 3.2 How to strip paint with an iron and blowtorch
- 3.3 How to chemically remove paint from walls
- 3.4 Industrial paint cleaning
- 3.5 Self-prepared paint removers
- 4 Choosing a method for removing different types of paint
- 4.1 Oil and acrylic paint
- 4.2 Water based paint
- 5 Our editors' advice on choosing a method for cleaning paint from different surfaces
- 5.1 Concrete and stone
- 5.2 Plaster and brick
- 5.3 Wood and metal
- 6 Safety precautions when stripping old paint
Is it always necessary to remove old paint when painting walls
The need to clean the substrate depends on the specific situation. The condition of the old coating and the chosen finishing method are assessed.
You should definitely get rid of the old decor if you plan to:
- To apply plaster.
- Pape the walls with wallpaper.
- Lay ceramic tiles.
Also, it is worth getting rid of the coating if it does not hold, falls off in pieces, and also consists of a large number of layers.
You can refuse to remove the old layer if it retains its integrity and reliably adheres to the base. At the same time, it is planned to use paint with a similar composition to form a new decorative layer. Also, the layer can not be removed if the walls are sheathed drywall.
Mechanical paint removal methods
If the walls are covered with oil, water-based or acrylic paint, you can use the mechanical method. This option does not have a toxic effect on humans. However, in the process of removing the old coating, a lot of dust and dirt is formed, which can be harmful to health. For mechanical removal, not only manual, but also power tools are used.
Peeling off the paint with a hand tool
A hand scraper is often used to clean surfaces. Although it is easy to acquire, and it has an affordable cost, productive process of cleaning the surface can not be called. After a few hours of work, the hand gets very tired, since to remove paint from the surface, you have to make monotonous movements, applying certain efforts. In addition, the cleaning process is very slow. In most cases, it is impossible to completely get rid of the old layer.
If the treatment surface is relatively small, a chisel can be used instead of a scraper. This tool has worked well for hard-to-reach areas and areas adjacent to power outlets. The chisel must be constantly sharpened during work.
Attention! You can speed up the process by gently tapping the chisel handle with a hammer.
Another widely used tool is the ax. The removal of the old layer is performed in the sequence shown in the table.
| Illustration | Procedure |
 | Notches are made on the surface. It becomes almost a right angle with a minimum distance. With the correct direction and force of impact, fragments of old paint should be separated from the wall. |
 | paint residues in the treated area are removed with an ax, which must move at a slight angle. |
We remove paint with a power tool
A disadvantage of the manual method is the low mechanical cleaning performance. You can speed up the process with a power tool. Which option would be appropriate will depend on the area of treatment, the state of the old coating and an available tool.
How to remove the paint with a drill and grinder with nozzles
Most often when working on their own or use the Bulgarian drill. If the choice is made in favor of the latter power, the order of execution of works can be seen in the following video:
When working with a drill as the nozzles can be:
- Chain, consisting of three chains with 13 units. It allows to remove the paint layer without damaging the plaster layer. Painting flies into small pieces, which reduces the amount of dust produced.
- A corset that looks like a small metal hemisphere with steel wire bristles. In the process of creating a lot of dust, but at the same time effectively cope with the task.
- Brick crown. It eliminates the decorative layer obtained by using the ink of any kind.
When using a grinder, attachments are also initially purchased. These are circles with suitable characteristics.
A comment
Mikhail Starostin
Head of the team of the repair and construction company "Dom Premium"
“When using a grinder, it is worth preparing not only the attachments, but also the vacuum cleaner. This significantly reduces the amount of dust and dirt produced during the work. "
| Illustration | Procedure |
 | The power tool is being assembled. A circle is established. The vacuum cleaner is connected. |
 | Pressing the circle to the surface, make circular movements. As a result, the decorative coating lags behind the base rather quickly. |
In the next video, you can get acquainted in more detail with the nuances of performing work in a similar way:
How to sandblast paint
When performing work outside the building, a special mobile device is often used. sandblasting machine. With its help, it is possible to clean up a layer of paint from a large surface area in a limited time. The table shows the sequence of work.
| Illustration | Procedure |
 | The surface is prepared for subsequent processing. All elements that can be damaged as a result of significant mechanical stress are covered with a protective film. |
 | The installation is started and directed towards the surface to be treated. Gradually move the nozzle along the base. |
Thermal paint stripping technology
The thermal method of exposure involves heating the removed coating to the temperature of destruction. As a result, the layer will begin to swell, and it will be much easier to remove it. Various equipment is used to achieve the desired temperature.
How to remove paint with an industrial hair dryer
If an industrial hair dryer is available, work is performed in the following sequence:
- A stream of heated air is directed to the surface to be treated, achieving heating of the local area.
- Using a spatula, remove the heated layer from the surface.
Most often, this method is used when removing paint and varnish from a concrete or metal surface.
Attention! Heating of the areas under which the wires pass and surfaces that are afraid of thermal effects are unacceptable.
How to strip paint with an iron and blowtorch
If a hair dryer is not available, you can use an iron or blowtorch. In the latter case, the work is performed in the sequence shown in the table.
| Illustration | Procedure |
 | The foundation is being prepared. All elements that are afraid of thermal effects are covered with a protective layer. If you plan to remove the decor from individual boards, they should be taken out, leaning against a wall that is not afraid of high temperatures. |
 | A blowtorch is set on fire, observing all safety requirements. They direct the flame towards the decorative coating, achieving its softening. |
 | Using a spatula, you can peel off the old layer by making movements along the surface. |
How to chemically remove paint from walls
This method involves the use of special materials and tools. Work must be carried out in personal protective equipment using special substances that can be purchased ready-made or made independently. They contain alkaline or organic solvents that actively affect the applied coating.
Industrial paint cleaning
Manufacturers offer a wide range of industrial products, each of which is focused on removing a certain type of paint. The agent is applied to the base and left for the time specified by the manufacturer. To increase efficiency, cover the base with foil. This significantly intensifies the effect of the reagent on the base. After that, it can be easily peeled off with a spatula or sandpaper. After completing the cleaning of the wall, the agent is thoroughly washed off from the base and neutralizes its effect.
How industrial washes work can be seen in the following video:
Self-prepared paint removers
If it was not possible to purchase a ready-made wash, you can make it on your own. To remove oil paint, a mixture of quicklime and potassium carbonate is used. In the process of preparing the wash, 300 g of potassium carbonate and 1 kg of lime are mixed together. Add 5 l of water to the prepared mixture.
The prepared composition is applied to the base using a roller. After 12 hours, the coating can be removed with a spatula. Sometimes water glass is used to remove the coating. It is applied to the old layer, and after 2 hours the glass will begin to fall off the surface along with layers of old paint.
Choosing a method for removing different types of paint
In order to select a suitable cleaning method, it is advisable to know which paint was used to form the decorative layer. Based on this, a tool and nozzles for stripping off the layer are selected. This will greatly simplify the cleaning process and increase its productivity.
Oil and acrylic paint
Oil paint can be difficult to remove. We have to use complex methods. Very often, a mechanical cleaning method and a remover designed specifically to remove oil paint are combined. If it is not possible to achieve a positive result, they resort to the thermal method of exposure. In this case, it is possible to soften the layer and greatly simplify its removal.
Acrylic paint removed much easier and faster. To remove it, you can use a metal brush or sandpaper. In this case, you should be prepared for the appearance of a large amount of dust and dirt in the room.
Water based paint
Similar decorative coating dries quickly, forming a film that is difficult to remove from the surface. The coating can be removed with water or iodine solution. The composition is applied to the surface, and then, after sufficient soaking, it is removed with a spatula.
If the desired result is not achieved, use a mechanical or thermal method. For this purpose, a spatula or building hair dryer is used.
To remove water-based paint, you should use a special remover. The potent substances included in its composition will effectively cope with the task.
A comment
Mikhail Starostin
Head of the team of the repair and construction company "Dom Premium"
“During the work in the room, natural ventilation should work well. Windows and doors must be open. "
Our editors' advice on choosing a method for cleaning paint from different surfaces
The procedure for cleaning the surface depends not only on the type and composition of the applied coating, but also on the type of substrate. A method suitable for concrete will be difficult to implement on wood. Check out our editors' advice on finding the right option. This will clear a large area in a limited time.
Concrete and stone
Various methods can be used to clean concrete or masonry substrates. The use of mechanical, thermal and chemical methods of exposure is permissible.
Plaster and brick
It is easiest to remove paint from a layer of plaster. The coating breaks off along with the underlayer, so you need to act very carefully. Brick is a fairly porous material. The coloring composition penetrates deep enough into it. To remove decorative coatings, use appropriate chemicals.
Wood and metal
If the coating is not firmly adhered to the wooden base, you can use a spatula. Work must be done carefully so as not to damage the structure of the wood. If the layer is strong enough, it is worth using a chemical composition. Using the thermal method, you must work carefully so as not to burn the tree.
From the metal base, the old paint is removed mainly with a grinder or by using a solvent. The second method is preferable for an old stubborn layer.
Attention! The thermal method requires certain skills. Violation of technology can provoke the manifestation of corrosion processes.
Safety precautions when stripping old paint
In order not to harm your health in the process of performing work, you should adhere to the following safety rules:
- There must be good ventilation inside the bathroom. After finishing the work, the room should be ventilated for at least a day, leaving the windows open.
- Work should be performed in protective equipment and special clothing to protect the body from external influences.
- When choosing a method, you should take into account your state of health. In the presence of respiratory diseases, mechanical methods should be replaced with alternative options.
- Allergy sufferers do not need to use chemistry.
- For thermal removal, it is worth preparing a fire extinguisher.
- There should be no other people or animals inside the room where the old coating is being removed.
Share in the comments which method of removing paint you think is more effective and which one you have already used.