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Inspect the surface
for cracking, peeling, flaking, loose paint. Depending on
the severity of the damage you may choose to employ one
or more of the methods described here to prepare the surface
for a new coating.
Scraping
This is a traditional effective approach for most flat surfaces
from plaster and wallboard to wood and ferrous metal. Use
shaped scrapers like triangle or oval shapes to get into
corners and on rounded profiles. Take care not to gouge,
score or otherwise harm the surface. Feather sand all rough
edges with a medium, then fine grade sand paper.
Wire Brushing
Use a stiff wire brush, being careful not to damage the
substrate. Once all loose paint has been removed sand the
surface with a medium then fine grade sand paper.
Sanding
If the surface is just flaking slightly you can simply sand
the area with progressively finer grade sand papers starting
with coarse, then medium, then fine.
Chemical removers
Choose a paint remover that is recommended for the coating
and substrate you're preparing. Apply a heavy coat of the
remover with an old or a low-end natural bristle paint brush
since the remover will likely ruin the brush.
Give the product plenty of time to work as recommended by
the manufacturer, usually 15 to 20 minutes or longer depending
on the thickness of the old paint. Carefully remove the
softened paint using a putty knife or wooden blade and scrape
the material into doubled paper bags inside a cardboard
box.
Reapply more stripper if needed and then clean the surface
with wadded up paper towelling, newspaper or a commercial
pad designed for this purpose. Before using these products,
clear the area of children and pets; cover floors and steps
and remove plants, rugs and furniture.
Dispose of all waste after the job carefully following manufacturer
instructions. Wear goggles or face mask for eye protection;
use chemical resistant gloves, long sleeve shirt and trousers
to protect the skin; and protect breathing with a respirator
designed for use with chemical solvents.
There are low odour alternatives to the strong solvent removers,
but they may take several hours to accomplish the same job.
Once the remover has done it's work, sand the surface thoroughly
with fine sand paper and dust before applying primer, stain
or varnish.
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