Stripping paint

Paint requires stripping when there are multiple layers of old paint that are both uneven and loosely adhered to to the wood and/or previous paint layers below. Exterior window sills, for example, are areas that are common to strip before repainting. Most chemical strippers are now more user-friendly than they used to be, as they are water-based. However it is still necessary to only work in well-ventilated areas, and use sufficient dust sheets to protect other surfaces. Always wear gloves and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when stripping paint.

Stripping paint 1. Apply paint stripper with an old paintbrush. Thoroughly cover the paintwork that requires stripping.
paint stripper for wood 2. Allow the paint to bubble up and loosen. The time will vary according to how many coats require stripping away.
scraping paint 3. When the paint has softened, use a scraper to scrape off the paint. Remove as much excess as you can before moving to the next area.
shavehook 4. For intricate mouldings or joints between different sections of wood, a shavehook is the ideal tool for scraping away layers.
removing paint from wood 5. A second coat, or more, will generally be required to remove all the paint. The more coats of paint, the more applications of stripper will be required.
using steel wool 6. The last residues can often be removed with some steel wool. Finally, wash down the clean woodwork and allow to dry.

Hot air guns

Hot air guns are an alternative to chemicals for stripping paint from woodwork. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines precisely, and do not combine the use of a hot air gun with chemical strippers.

Many hot air gun manufacturers also supply extra nozzles making it easier to strip surfaces next to glass, for example.


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