If you’re planning to stain your deck, removing old paint will ensure you get an even stain. Unlike interior wood that requires a more controlled removal method, you can use a power washer to quickly remove any peeling paint from your deck. You can also use a paint stripper and use a pressure washer to wash away the softened paint. Paint scrapers and nylon-bristle brushes can also help remove paint from the wood grains. Don’t forget to give your desk a quick sanding before applying any stain or paint. 

This is another common paint removal method that is messy but effective. If using this method, be sure to wear a respirator. Even non-lead paint can release toxic fumes when heated.

1. Put down a drop cloth to catch the removed paint for easier clean up.
2. Turn on your head gun and allow to warm up according to the manufacturer instructions.
3. Pass the heat gun over the paint in a back-and-forth motion, keeping it about two inches away. The paint is ready to be scrapped once it starts to bubble and blister. Stop if the paint begins to smoke.
4. Using a putty knife, gently scrape the warmed paint at a 30-degree angle. Continue warming the paint and scraping with the putty knife. Scrape melted paint into a bowl to minimize the mess in your project area.
5. You likely won’t be able to remove every bit of paint using the heat gun alone. Any find paint particles left can be removed using extra fine grit sandpaper or steel wool. 

This method is the most time-consuming way to remove paint and will require a respirator to keep from breathing in paint particles.

1. Prep your space by putting down a drop cloth to contain the mess while you’re working.
2. To sand away paint evenly, you’ll need various sandpaper grits. You’ll need coarse, medium, medium fine, and fine grit sandpaper for the best results. You can speed up this process if you have a circular sander.
3. Start sanding using the coarsest grit and working your way down. It’s important not to overwork the surface with too coarse of a sandpaper grit. Use a finer sandpaper grit for smaller, uneven areas.  

Whether you’re repainting your railing or baseboard heaters, removing paint from metal isn’t always as easy as you think, especially if the paint has been applied correctly. In addition to the three popular methods we just covered, there are a few other methods you can use to remove paint from metal. 

This process is similar to the heat gun process, minus the heat to help loosen the paint. This method works best on flat surfaces with and where the paint is already peeling.

1. Using a paint scraper, hold at a 45-degree angle to the metal surface.
2. Apply firm, even pressure to remove the paint, taking care not to gouge the metal.
3. Repeat this process, working in small sections.
4. Once all paint has been removed, use a bit of steel wool to move any smaller paint pieces and smooth out the metal.

If you have a larger surface area to remove paint from, this process is similar to the manual scraping method but will be much faster thanks to the angle grinder.

1. Put on appropriate safety equipment, including hearing protection.
2. Attach a strip disk for paint removal to your angle grinder.
3. Hold the grinder at an angle and move steadily across the painting area applying even pressure throughout.
4. Work in small sections until all paint has been removed.

This process works best on small metal items that can be submerged in the vinegar and baking soda solution such as kitchen hardware, hinges or small railing pieces.

1. Mix equal parts distilled vinegar with water in a pot. It’s best to either buy a cheap pot or thrift an old pot since paint will be in this pot.
2. Add a ¼ cup of baking soda for every quart of water.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Drop metal items in mixture and leave submerged for 15 minutes. Submerge Metal Items in Mixture
5. Remove metal items from solution using tongs. Use a small putty knife to gently scrape off loosened paint.

This method words best on metal surfaces because metal is nonporous and won’t absorb the mineral spirits. If you opt for this method, make sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the harsh chemicals.

1. Apply mineral spirits using a clean rag.
2. Gently rub the painted surface with the rag to dissolve the paint.
3. Wipe away loosened paint with a clean cloth.
4. Repeat this process until all paint is removed. 

As we’ve seen, there are several ways to strip paint from a surface but choosing the right method may still feel like a challenge. When it comes to choosing the right method, choose the method that will work with the material you’re painting, works within your budget and will be the easiest for you to complete.

If you’re still struggling to choose the right paint stripping method, your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams associates should be able to help.