How To Remove Old Paint From Wood

Sanding using a hot air gun and chemical paint strippers.

How to remove old paint from wood. Scrape off the paint with a plastic scraper and use an abrasive pad and mineral spirits to remove any lingering residue. A ⅛-inch coat removes up to seven layers of paint. Because of the amount of dust generated when sanding to remove paint wear safety goggles and a face mask.

Seal the wood with water-based poly. Sanding is best kept for small projects unless you want to hire an industrial sander to remove paint and varnish from your floor. Apply the stripper as directed by the manufacturer using the recommended type of brush.

But once the raw wood is sealed the color of the wood darkens and sometimes it gets an orange tint to it. Scraping often leaves small bits of paint embedded in the wood grain. Smoother sandpaper to tidy the last traces and smooth off the wood underneath.

Put on your gloves and respirator mask. Sandpaper and power sanders provide another quick way to remove old paint from wood. There are three ways of removing paint from wood.

Rough sandpaper to remove the undesired paint or remove the majority of the paint. Once youve scraped your way to the woods surface apply mineral spirits with an old rag or paper towel and scrub off the remaining remnants of paint with steel wool. 30 minutes to 24 hours Removal.

Moisten a rag or an abrasive sponge and scrub to get most of the paint then follow up with a pad sander to get the rest and smooth down the wood grain. You can basically turn any old piece found on a curb or Craigslist into a modern or shabby chic one. Oil-based paint spatters require mineral spirits but be careful not to soak the wood as this.