Water-based paint is a high-quality material widely used for external and internal works. The composition is odorless, dries quickly and is completely harmless. Despite the fact that the paint is based on water, it is very resistant to moisture. Therefore, if necessary, remove the old coating, many ask the question: "How to wash off water-based paint?"
Do I need to remove old paint
In some situations, you can not touch the old coating, but in the following cases it is simply necessary to remove the paint:
- The appearance of exfoliated places.
- Air in contact with paint.
- Subsequent application of paint in a lighter shade. No matter how many layers are applied, the dark color below will still appear, and the desired tone will not work.
- Incompatibility of the new finishing material with water-based paint.
Expert advice: Before proceeding with the removal of paint, it is necessary to determine the type of surface. Since the answers to the questions: "How to wash water-based paint from wood?" and "How do I remove a coating from glass or concrete?" - will be completely different. Based on this information, a withdrawal method is selected.
Preparation for work
It is better to remove paint in a completely empty room. Unfortunately, it is sometimes impossible to remove all furniture and things from the room, so they need to be covered with a layer of fabric, and on top with a polyethylene film. This measure is necessary to protect against contamination. Even if the room is completely empty, it is recommended to spread the film on the floor. This eliminates the need to carry out laborious cleaning at the end and remove stubborn stains.
Myself, too, should be prepared for work, this will require special uniforms - protective clothing, glasses, a hat or head scarf and gloves. In addition, it is advisable to wear a respirator to avoid dust and particles of paint entering the lungs.
It is advisable that while working in the room there were no other people. They will only interfere with unnecessary advice and drag dirt around the apartment. If you are interested in the question: "How to wash water-based paint from the ceiling?" - First of all, you should take care of the presence of a stepladder or at least a stable table on which you can stand.
The following will be required directly for work:
- A natural rag that will absorb moisture well.
- Capacity with liquid (bucket, basin, etc.).
- Soft coated roller for wetting the surface.
- Emery paper with varying degrees of grit.
- Metal spatula.
- Scraper.
- Brush with metal teeth.
- Paint remover, such as building solvent 646.
- Acetone.
To remove water-based paint, different options are used - washing with water, heat treatment, the use of various solvents. The choice of method depends on what surface you have to work with, how many layers of paint are applied to it and how long it has been done. And you can also get rid of old paint with a metal brush or grinder.
Washing off old paint with water
Many are interested in the question: "Is it possible to wash off water-based paint with water?" The answer is yes! The process is as follows:
- It is necessary to wet the desired surface with water using a soft roller.
- Wait about 20 minutes.
- Remove paint with a spatula.
If the paint does not go away, then you need to repeat the wetting process. The problem may be that the surface was poorly wetted or the paint was laid in several layers. In these cases, one wetting can not do, it may take two or even three times.
Expert advice: you can prepare a soap solution to remove water-based paint. Experienced repairmen claim that this method works.
As you can see, everything is very simple, but there are situations when water is simply not absorbed during application. This means that the surface has been treated with a protective coating. In this case, it will not be possible to do with one roller and water, the use of more serious compounds will be required. You can purchase a specialized solvent 646, which is able to cope with varnish-containing materials.
Mechanical method
This method includes two options:
- Using a metal brush.
- The use of a grinding machine.
First, the surface to be cleaned is moistened with a soft roller with water and left to absorb for 15–20 minutes. Next, a spatula is taken, and the paint is cleaned in one direction. The remaining areas from which the paint could not be removed, are treated with a metal brush.
What else to wash off with water based paint? A more effective way to remove paint is to use a grinder. If there is no such tool, then you can use a drill with a nozzle to get rid of paint. It can be in the form of a metal crown or a round brush with a metal bristle. You can purchase the product in the construction market and in a specialized store.
Algorithm of actions:
- Connect the instrument to the network.
- Clean the surface. Movements should be consistent, work should be with small areas.
- Wipe the surface with a wet cloth to remove dust.
- After working in the room it is necessary to vacuum and remove any impurities.
- Finish the process with wet cleaning and airing.
Paint remover
Old water-based paint or a coating applied in several layers can be removed with a composition with a high solvent content. Formulas that are safe for humans include formic acid and isopropyl alcohol. The consumption of the product is calculated from the ratio of one liter per five square meters. In specialized stores you can purchase more concentrated solutions. If you decide to opt for them, then do not forget about safety measures.
The work process consists of the following actions:
- Using a brush, apply the solution to the surface.
- Leave to absorb for about 20 minutes. The exact time period is indicated on the package.
- Scrape off the coating with a spatula.
- Rinse the surface with clean water or another composition that the manufacturer suggests using.
Vapors emitted by the solvent settle not only on the lungs of those who worked with it, but also on everyone who lives or is nearby. If the work is done in an apartment building, then all the nearest neighbors will inhale it.
In addition, the manufacturer also recommends flushing toxic compounds with special fluids. They have extra pairs that will not bring health benefits.
The smell after carrying out this kind of work is stored in the room for quite a long time. Contact with skin may result in a chemical burn. Waste after removal of water-based paint with a toxic solvent is not allowed to be drained into the sewer; special disposal is required.
Liquid glass
Do not know how to quickly wash off water-based paint? Still as a chemical method, you can use liquid glass. This is a great way to remove paint from the ceiling. A layer of mortar is applied to the ceiling, dried, and removed with paint. After drying, the liquid glass turns into a silicate film, which easily leaves. The disadvantage of this method is that for the complete removal of old paint will require repeated repetition of the procedure. In addition, it will cost a lot.
Thermal method
Do not know what to wash off with water based paint? This method involves the use of a building hair dryer. At first, a small surface area is heated. The coating should swell. After that, the paint is easily removed with a spatula. Movement should be directed in one direction. Adhesive paint must be removed with another spatula. At the end of the work, you will need to vacuum and perform a wet cleaning.
Expert advice: if traces remain on the surface to be cleaned, you can remove them with a brush with metal teeth or an emery sheet.
Old way
You think, than to wash off a water-based paint? There is a very old, but safe and proven method - using paste to remove paint from starch and flour or glue.
The welded compound is applied to the surface and newspapers are glued on top of it. Everything needs to be done very quickly, until the paste has not had time to freeze. After half an hour, the dried layer can be removed with a spatula. As a rule, paper leaves with the existing ink.
To many, this method will seem ancient and time-consuming, but it is completely safe and leaves no dirt.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to remove water-based paint, the main thing is to choose the right method. It should be borne in mind that the removal of old paint is not always a prerequisite. For example, when installing a stretch ceiling, there is no need to clean the surface.
If subsequently any kind of facing work will be carried out on a cleaned base, then you need to wait a while and let it dry. After all, after removing paint, the surface should always be washed, and this adds moisture.
With skillful hands and with certain knowledge, any work can be done quickly and professionally. The main components of success are desire and optimism.