Getting rid of unnecessary paint on the walls is a rather difficult task. You have to deal with it often, because for a long time in our country it was a favorite (due to the cheapness and availability in stores) finishing material. Most of all problems are caused by oil paint. She is very persistent and difficult to remove. In this article, we will try to figure out how to remove old paint from the walls, and what compositions are best used.
What determines the complexity of the work?
The severity and duration of the process will depend on:
- paint composition;
- the number of layers applied;
- the surface on which it was applied.
Oddly enough, it is easiest to repair the walls of a house and remove the paint if it is applied in several layers. The most difficult option is a coloring substance on a surface that has not been plastered before or applied to concrete.
Ways to get rid of old paint: safe and not very
For each surface, its own remedy is suitable. Today, there are several options for how to remove old paint from the walls:
- a method of chemical exposure;
- mechanical;
- heat treatment;
- electromechanical method.
How to get rid of old paint on the walls using chemical exposure?
This method consists in covering the surface with the paint to be removed with a special composition. Wait for the recommended time and clean the wall. Paint remover fluid may vary. For example, liquid glass, quicklime and even soda ash.
On the one hand, everything is simple: apply the product, wait and clean. But this method has several not very pleasant properties. This is, first of all, the high toxicity of chemical compounds. This method is not very effective with a thick layer of paint, moreover, such compositions work well with powder paints, oil may not succumb.
A surface treated in this way requires mandatory washing, and more than once. When working, it is necessary to use special protective clothing, protect the face and hands from harmful chemical composition, since the paint remover is very aggressive against the skin and mucous membranes. At the time of working with such tools from the premises, it is necessary to remove people who are not involved in repairs, flowers, animals. The room in which work is carried out must be constantly aired.
Liquid glass when hardened on the paint forms a silicate film, which is easily removed with old paint.
Soda ash and quicklime will help get rid of paint with minimal effort and time. 400 grams of soda should be mixed well with 1400 grams of lime and applied to the wall. After twelve hours, the wall will easily clear.
How to remove old paint from walls using high temperatures?
Heat treatment consists in heating old paint with a blowtorch, iron or a building hairdryer. Under the influence of high temperatures, the colorful composition softens and is quite easily removed. The main thing is to warm the surface well enough.
In the case when there is no building hair dryer or blowtorch, you can use an iron. You need to warm up the paint through a sheet of foil or go to a tin plate. The softened layer can be removed with a spatula. Experts, despite the simplicity of the work, do not recommend using this method, since:
- there will be a strong smell in the room (poisoning can occur);
- it is possible to melt decor elements (skirting boards, panels, polyurethane stucco molding, etc.);
- there is a chance of damage to the electrical wiring.
The method is far from the best. You can use it if the room is small or you need to remove paint from a small section of the walls or ceiling. As in the previous method, professional remedies are needed.
Mechanical way
This processing option is considered the safest and most affordable. Although it is quite laborious, it justifies itself in this case. Especially if it is a wooden wall, the paint is old oil, and the room is poorly ventilated.
The main tools that will be required to clean the walls: scraper, putty knife, cutting tool, water or a special non-toxic composition. The initial stage of work is the application of notches. Then the surface is wetted with water, a nontoxic paint remover from the walls is also suitable, so that it is well absorbed. When the surface of the removed substance has cracked, you can take a scraper or putty knife and proceed to remove the paint.
Work is progressing slowly and difficultly, but safely. That is why this method is very popular.
How to remove old paint from walls using electrical appliances?
The method of machining painted walls. Cleaning is carried out using a grinder with a special nozzle or drill. An excellent result can be obtained from a wide circle or a nozzle with stiff bristles on a grinder or perforator.
There are only two drawbacks to the method: noise and dust, or rather, its immense amount. Many repair crews use this particular method of cleaning walls from painted substances. Although it is worth noting that in the interior this method is rarely used. It is more suitable for outdoor applications or for partial surface treatment. Today, there are devices with built-in vacuum cleaners that trap up to 95% of flying dust. A drill or grinder requires personal protective equipment, especially a respirator and special glasses.
Features of the removal of various colorful compounds
Aqueous emulsion paint is best removed with a spatula, and it does not matter what it is, a wooden wall or concrete. The solution will help the process: dilute 10 ml of iodine in a liter of water. Mix well and apply to the wall.
You can use a brush to work on metal. It will leave microcracks on the paint, which, if moistened with warm water, will help to easily remove the paint in 15-20 minutes.
There are, so to speak, folk remedies. For example, stick on the walls of the newspaper. It is believed that when they dry, they will easily move away with the paint. Those who tried this method say that they had to rip off newspapers, and then only paint ...
Acrylic paint from wooden surfaces can be easily removed with sharp instruments: a spatula, a chisel or a knife. It can be removed from glass or plastic using a hot soapy solution (you can add a few drops of alcohol).
Oil paint is removed either with a spatula or with a special scraper to remove paint. You can use sandpaper. She will help in small areas.
There are enough ways to remove paint. You just need to choose the right one and you can act! It doesn’t matter what it will be - the old grandfather method using serifs and water or the use of the latest tools and chemical compounds. The main thing is not to forget about personal protective equipment and the rules for performing such repairs.