Stripping Old Paint And Varnishes
With any paint job on a home or piece of furniture, or any other that has been around for a while, you face the challenge of ridding yourself of the previous paint. Or, in other words, stripping away the old paint and varnishes. In homes, stripping old paint off walls is not necessary in all circumstances, but it there is damage to the paint, or paint failure, it will be necessary. Many people loathe the idea of this, so they simply paint over the old paint or varnish. In some cases this is a viable option, however, in other cases this can cause paint failure, and problems you would never want to deal with. When it comes to furniture especially your best option is not to paint over old paint and varnish, but to strip it and start new. Stripping away old paint or varnish doesn't have to be the horribly difficult task that many people make it out to be, especially if you follow these tips:
- Protect Yourself: The chemicals you use to strip are pretty strong and have noxious fumes, so put on heavy rubber gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and protective eyewear. If at all possible, work outdoors, or at least in a well ventilated room. A well-ventilated area means windows open, fans on.
- Use The Right Tools:
- Use methylene chloride to remove paint from furniture. Take the proper safety precautions, and pour it directly on the painted surface. Manufacturers add wax to the methylene chloride to give it some body and delay the evaporation. So you will have to use a paintbrush to smooth the liquid over the surface. Then leave it alone, to give it a chance to work. Cover the area with waxed paper to slow down the evaporation of the chemical.
- When you take the waxed paper off of the methylene chloride, use a plastic spatula to scrape up the paint and the goo to reveal the original surface beneath. Once the paint and goo is off, wipe the surface with a rag dipped in mineral spirits. Store the paint and goo in a closed, empty paint can until you can dispose of it. Put all the rags and steel wool you used with the stripper in the can too.
- On stained or shellacked antiques, you don't need the power of methylene chloride. Instead, use a furniture refinisher, type product that is clear. It is not as strong, and will do the trick. When you compare it to the methylene chloride, it is thin and evaporates very quickly, but you'll still need all the same safety precautions. To use it, pour some in a metal pan and then dip a pad of steel wool in it. Use the wet steel wool to very carefully rub the liquid into the surface. It will work immediately to take the finish off the wood. Wipe it off with a dry rag and it will dry very quickly. When it does, sand it lightly and put on a coat of oil such as tung oil.
- Follow Regulations: Follow your city regulations to dispose of the paint and goo mixture. If you do not know your city regulations call the waste management number found in your local phone book.
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Tags: paint varnish old paint old varnish remove remove paint remove varnish furniture
