Paint Remover

Often, during the repair process, the question of removing from the surface of the walls a layer of old paint. To do this quickly and effectively, you need to have information about the main methods and choose the appropriate means for removing the paint. In this article we will tell you how best to remove paint of different types from different surfaces.

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Leave or still shoot?

In Soviet times, a very popular way of decorating walls, floors and ceilings of bathrooms and kitchens was painting them. Therefore, the question of removing the painted top layer from surfaces remains quite relevant in our time. Depending on the subsequent work, the paint can be left or removed:

1. If in the future you have planned to coat the surface with plasterboard, then the old paint will not become a hindrance to you. In such cases, do not waste your time and money on removing it.
2. Completely different things are, if you plan to level the walls with cement plaster or decorate them with ceramic tiles. The fact is that the painted surface has practically zero grip, and no building materials on it simply will not hold. Therefore, it is required to remove the completely painted top layer of walls.

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What determines the choice of the method and means for removing paint?

Different types of paints are removed in different ways. Some are removed simply and without much effort, while others cause difficulties even for the most experienced builders. An important role is played by the surface on which it is applied.

There are three types of paints: acrylic, water-based and oily. The most difficult option for removal is the oil type on the concrete surface.

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How to remove oil paint?

There are several methods for getting rid of old oil paint on different surfaces. Depending on the complexity of the work ahead, its volume, the required surface preparation speed, you can apply:

• chemical method;
• mechanical;
• thermal.

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Chemical method

The chemical method assumes that a special paint removal agent will be used, most often solvents of different composition.

Method number 1

If you have a painted concrete wall in front of you, then it will be most effective to use a special tool for removing oil paint.

You will need:

• Gloves.
• Respirator.
• Safety glasses.
• Chemical oil for removing oil paint.
• Brush or paint roller.
• Spatula, wide chisel or iron scraper.

Procedure description:

1. Wear all personal protective equipment.
2. Prepare a chemical solution according to the instructions.
3. Apply a remover to remove oil paint with a brush or paint roller on the walls. It is desirable to perform all movements in one direction.
4. Leave the applied preparation on the surfaces for a while.
5. With a spatula, metal scraper or metal wool brush, remove the painted layer.

This method allows you to quickly remove oil paint from surfaces. But it is necessary to take into account the fact that if it is applied not in one layer but in several layers, it may be necessary to reapply the solvent.

Important! This method of removal is very toxic. The means for removing the oil paint that is used has a sharp and persistent odor. Therefore, if possible, it is necessary to open all windows and doors so that the room is well ventilated during operation. If the solvent gets on your skin, you can get a burn. Pregnant women and children should not be kept during treatment indoors.

In addition to the health hazard in the case of non-compliance with safety regulations, this method has another significant drawback - it is its high cost.

Method number 2

If you want to remove the painted layer from the wooden floor, then you can use the improvised means and try the following method.

You will need:

• Water. Calcined Soda Ash.
• Sacking.
• Spatula.

Procedure description:

1. Dampen the painted wooden floor with water well.
2. Generously fill the surface with calcined soda. The layer of soda should be thick enough.
3. Cover the covered areas with a wet burlap and leave for a day. Do not allow the fabric to dry - periodically moisten it.
4. In a day, using a spatula it will be easy to clean the swollen paint.

Method number 3

Another method involves the use of a simple means for removing paint.

You will need:

• Potassium carbonate.
• Lime.
• Water.
• Spatula.

Description of the procedure:

1. 1.2 kg of quicklime mixed with 400 g of potassium carbonate. Dilute this mixture with water to a thick consistency.
2. Apply the mixture to the surface to be cleaned and leave for 12 hours.
3. Use a spatula to remove the paint.

Method number 4

No less simple option, but for its application you will definitely have to go to the building materials store.

You will need:

• Liquid glass.
• Spatula.

Description of the procedure:

1. Treat the areas from which the top colored layer should be removed with liquid glass.
2. Allow surfaces to dry.
3. The silicate film together with the paint will begin to peel off. A spatula can help this process.

Important! For a full-fledged effect, the procedure should be repeated several times.

Thermal method

The thermal method involves dissolving the paint when exposed to high temperatures. You can act by one of the following methods.

Method number 1

Least traumatic and inexpensive option, if you already have a special tool at hand.

You will need:

• Building dryer. Spatula or scraper.
• Personal protective equipment.

Procedure description:

1. Heat the painted surfaces with a construction hair dryer until the paint softens.
2. With a scraper or spatula, remove the softened topcoat from the surface.

Important! Operate consistently, warming up small sections of the wall with paint. In this case, your work will be more effective.

Method number 2

As a suitable means for removing oil paint, a conventional iron is also suitable. Of course, this method will require you a lot of time, but you do not have to buy additional tools and supplies for cleaning the wall.

You will need:

• Iron.
• Wide sheet of foil.
• Spatula or scraper.
• Personal protective equipment.

Procedure description:

1. Warm the painted surface through the foil with an iron.
2. Similar to the previous method, remove the soft paint with a spatula.

Important! The thermal method is not applicable in places where electrical wiring passes or on areas decorated with plastic.

A significant drawback of this method is the sharp odor of the paint that is released when it is heated. Therefore it is very important during the procedure that the room is well ventilated.

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Mechanical method

Because of the toxic substances that are released during the chemical and thermal removal of oil paint, the most optimal is the use of a mechanical method.

This method is quite laborious and slow. But its effectiveness, cheapness and minimal harm to the body cover the shortcomings in full.

You will need:

• Ax.
• Water.

Description of procedure

1. Make incisions on the old coating with an ax.
2. It is necessary to sprinkle the painted surfaces with water and leave them for a few minutes to allow the water to absorb.
3. Use an ax to clean the top coat. To speed up the process, correctly select the angle of the ax.

Important! Most often this method of removing oil paint from surfaces is used if further laying of walls and floor by ceramic tile is planned. The walls after cleaning will be uneven, which is ideal for bonding tiles.

The mechanical method is simply ideal in enclosed spaces, which are very difficult to ventilate.

Other interpretations of the mechanical method involve the use of construction equipment.

• A bulgarian with a wide range will perfectly remove the old paint, but there will be so much dust in it that after a minute of work it will take more than 15 minutes to wait until the dust settles. Of course, you should work in a respirator and goggles. To date, there are Bulgarians with a built-in vacuum cleaner. With this technique, the process of removing the top painted wall layer will be much more enjoyable and quick.
• Rotary hammer with a nozzle chain - a fairly cheap and effective way to get rid of paint on the walls of various materials. Also on the puncher, you can put a crown on the brick. This nozzle is more suitable for cleaning concrete walls.

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How to remove water-based or acrylic paint?

If in the future you want to treat the surface also with acrylic or water-based paint of a different shade, then do not remove the old paint before it. A new layer will lie perfectly on the old one. This option is not suitable only in cases where the walls are covered with a water-based paint of a shade darker than the one you want to cover. In this case, the old layer will appear translucent.

You can remove acrylic or water-based paint using a coarse-grained sandpaper or metal brush. In case of non-water-resistant water-based paint, simple water washing is also suitable.

Important! Be sure to use gloves and other personal protective equipment during work.

If the paint is of good quality, then it will be removed badly. In such cases, you can try the above described methods, which are suitable for removing oil paint.

Of course, there are times when it is difficult to determine what type of paint is applied to the surface of your house. Therefore, you will have to try several methods of removing it on a small section of the wall. Start with the simplest and most effortless, so you do not have to waste your energy, time and money in vain.