Category: BLOG

There are several ways to remove paint from metal. Some involve mechanical methods (such as a rotary disc sander) while others may employ harsh chemicals including acetone and alcohol.

However, certain metals require a more delicate approach. This is often encountered with copper due to its relative softness when compared to iron and steel.

So, how can you effectively deal with stubborn layers of paint without damaging the underlying surface?

Let’s take a look at the step-by-step guide found immediately below in order to fully understand the process.

Initial Preparation

It is first important to loosen the paint from the surface as much as possible. The good news is that this can normally be accomplished by placing a few drops of olive oil over the affected area. Let this oil sit for a few minutes before beginning the removal process.

The Use of a Putty Knife

You will then need to purchase a paint stripper for cars. This kit normally contains a plastic putty knife that can be used upon softer materials such as copper.

It is still wise to cover the leading edge of the putty knife with a soft rag before scraping. This will further help to minimise any unintentional damage to the underlying copper.

Mineral Spirits

If you come across paint that is more difficult to remove (such as paint that is located within cracks or crevasses), use a small amount of mineral spirits on the affected area.

Allow these spirits to sit for a few moments before dislodging the paint with a knife. This process might need to be repeated when dealing with multiple paint layers.

If you are still uncertain about the methods outlined above or if you happen to be tackling a more challenging project, it is best to contact the team at Premium Door Stripping.

Our technicians boast a great deal of expertise when dealing with copper, wood, aluminium, and countless other surfaces. This will ensure quality results within a fraction of the time that might otherwise be required.

Removing paint from different surfaces will often require the use of unique methods. One example is you happen to need to strip paint from a metallic surface. Unlike wood, this task can be a bit more intensive.

This is why appreciating some of the options at your disposal is always a good idea. Let’s take a look at two processes that are often employed by professionals so that you can make the most appropriate decision.

Mechanical Techniques

There are times when a rotary disc sander can help you remove spray paint from metallic surfaces. However, the normal sanding disc will need to be replaced with a wire brush mechanism.

If you are working on a more intricate surface, then the use of this tool is often not practical. Let’s say that your goal is to strip paint from metal fencing. This means that it will be impossible for you to employ larger equipment in order to do so successfully.

For projects such as radiator paint stripping, then you will need to use small tools. This includes items such as hand-held wire brushes, grinding stones and even special scouring pads.

When working on car paint stripping, there are times where it can be difficult for you to remove the top layer of metal finishings by using other types of equipment because they lack precision control.

Chemical Alternatives

In order to access hard-to-reach areas, it could be prudent to use acetone. This is a liquid paint and varnish remover which should be able to deal with most materials.

Acetone is a chemical solvent that is available from a number of retail outlets. This includes hardware stores and supermarkets as well as online shops.

Acetone can be used to remove paint from some types of metal surfaces, although it may not work on all coatings. It is worth mentioning that acetone fumes are dangerous.

Therefore, this should be used in a well-ventilated area. It is also best to wear gloves when working with acetone and it’s advisable not to use the substance on painted or varnished surfaces as these can become damaged through contact with this type of chemical solvent.

To remove spray paint from metal with this chemical, place the object in a bucket containing the acetone and leave it for approximately an hour. The item should then be removed to check whether all the paint has been softened sufficiently so that it will come off easily with some gentle rubbing using steel wool or fine wire wool.

If you are still having issues in removing the paint, then contact a professional paint stripping company like Premium Door Stripping who deal with this task on a day to day basis and will be able to easily remove the paint for you.

If you’re still having trouble removing the paint, then contact a professional stripping company like Premium Door Stripping who deal with this task on daily basis and can easily get rid of it for you.

There are times when you may wish to provide a section of wood (such as a door or a window frame) with an extra level of protection and style.

Lacquer can be an excellent option to consider due to the fact that it is waterproof and will help to keep the underlying surface intact. Still, there are a few factors to take into account in order to successfully complete such a project.

Oil or Latex Paint?

It is first critical to point out that lacquer cannot be placed over oil-based paints; it will not adhere properly. Only latex-based paints are suitable for such a project. If oil paint is present, you have two options:

• Strip the paint away to expose the bare wood.
• Prime the oil paint so that it can be painted with a top coat of latex. Lacquer can then be applied.

If you suspect that there might also be varnish present, be sure to purchase the best varnisher for wood. The lacquer can then be applied with ease.

The Finish of the Paint to be Lacquered

Assuming that you are planning to lacquer latex-based paint, determine whether its surface has a sheen (such as glossy or semi-gloss formulations). If this is the case, the surface will need to be lightly scuffed with sandpaper.

The elasticising agents will otherwise cause the subsequent coat of lacquer to adhere unevenly; leading to an alligator-like texture.

The Proper Application Techniques

Use a brush that is specifically designed for lacquer (most of these are equipped with synthetic bristles). Apply the lacquer in even strokes to ensure a uniform coating.

Try not to stop midway, as this will cause lap marks when the surface dries. Most wood items will require only a single coat and the majority of lacquers will be required to dry for at least 24 hours before they can be handled again.

To learn about other unique DIY tips, be sure to speak with a specialist at Premium Door Stripping.

While there is no doubt that vintage doors are known for their character as well as their unique aesthetic beauty, they can also become victims to the elements if not properly maintained.

This is why the concept of weatherproofing is important. What are some basics steps to take so that your door will be protected from the outside weather?

Insulation and Caulking

You will first need to remove the trim around the top and sides of the door frame. Purchase a can of spray foam.

Insert the nozzle into any visible gaps and fill them with the foam. As this foam expands, some may have to be shaved away before reattaching the peripheral trim.

You may also wish to caulk the sides of the trim in place (on both the interior and exterior sides). Be sure that this caulk is designed for exterior use. If you notice any cracks on the surface of the door (such as within the inlays), these can also be caulked.

In the event that the door is bare wood, try to encounter a caulking agent that closely matches the original colour and be sure to wipe away any excess before it dries.

Replacing Weatherstripping

In the event that old weatherstripping is present, pry it away with a screwdriver or cut it away with a utility knife.

Replace this weatherstripping with a more recent version; cutting each section to the appropriate length before tacking it to the door frame.

Before these strips are permanently in place, close the door to ensure a tight fit and that no areas are overlapping.

Door Sweeps

Some exterior doors have sweep that is found along the bottom portion. If you notice that the sweep has become damaged, it can simply be removed and replaced. However, you may need to drill new holes in order to keep it firmly in place.

For more maintenance advice or to learn about options when restoring the finish of antique doors, please take a few moments to contact Premium Door Stripping. You will be amazed with the options at your disposal.

Best Solution for stripping tired paintwork

With house prices in the UK constantly rising it is difficult for countless people to buy a house decorated in the style that meets their full requirements. A beneficial option is to buy a cheaper house that requires renovating. This option makes it possible to create that perfect house.

The downside to this option is that depending on the house there could be a substantial amount of work that could take a quantity of time.

One of the greatest time-consuming jobs with this option is the removing of the timeworn wallpaper and paint.

Skirting boards, fireplaces, built-in furniture, Radiators, wooden shutters, and Doors are all desirable Architectural features that lots of people love to keep as they help to define the character of the property.

However, the majority of these will potentially have numerous layers of paint. Preparation is the key to effective decorating. Simply painting over critically damaged paint will normally provide unsatisfactory results.

The solution is to strip all the existing paint. Once the removal of the paint is complete options are available to create the desired finish. Wooden doors especially often have beautiful wood grain that waxing, polishing, or staining will enhance.

How to remove old paint

For painted surfaces, there are a range of solvent and caustic based products available. Sanding and heat are also a useful option if there are not too numerous layers of paint.

Solvent-Based Paint Stripping

Solvent-based paint removers affect the bond between the painted object and the paint. Once disrupted the paint swells and lifts from the surface allowing the removal of the material without damaging the original surface.

Caustic Soda Paint Stripping

Caustic paint strippers contain different chemicals that remove the paint differently. The chemicals react to the oily ingredients in the paint and break it down allowing its removal.

What Type of Paint Stripper to Use?

The best product to use depends on the surface and the type of paint used on the surface.

• Solvent-based removers are generally better at removing various layers of thick paint. They usually leave a respectable clean surface without any stains or damage.
• Caustic soda paint stripping products are particularly useful at removing paint from areas that have detailing or moulding, but they can occasionally stain or mark the wood.

Disadvantages

Some disadvantages are worth considering before using either of these products.

• Since they are dangerous to use extreme care to ensure that there is minimum skin contact is important.
• Both products are extremely messy to use. The complete process, especially if there is a large area can demand a considerable amount of time.
• Both products are expensive to use over large areas.

Other options

An option that is certainly worthwhile considering is the use of a professional company such as Premium Door Stripping. Based in Berkshire their service covers the majority of South West England. This company has a team of trained professionals that offer a high-quality stripping service to meet your requirements.

Consider these benefits before deciding to tackle the task yourself.

• Hassle-free service.
• No Mess.
• Quicker than doing it yourself.
• Considering time and products this service is often a cheaper option.
• Collection and delivery service.

The dip and strip method of refurnishing wood and metal furniture involves first using a solvent or a heat gun to remove paint, rust, and other imperfections (dipping it) and then using a sanding tool to strip it down.

When done right, the result is a smooth surface that looks and feels brand new.

What we have here is a basic door stripping guide, with links to other posts on the blog that go into greater detail.

First, here’s what you’ll need:

• tarpaulin sheets
• trestles
• a heat gun
• a sander
• a putty knife or metal scraper
• an abrasive sponge
• a mask
• protective goggles
• gloves
• a sealable pot

For a more detailed explanation on some of these tools, check out this post.

Once you’ve got all your gear, here’s how to go about dippind and stripping the door.

Preparing the Door

Use your tarpaulin sheets to cover the floor underneath the trestles, and make sure the workspace is well ventilated (open the windows).

You’ve removed the door from its hinges, so now you can lay it across your two trestles. Make sure its completely stable.

Getting to Work—Dipping

Put on your protective rubber gloves, your goggles, and your mask, and turn the heat gun on -carefully- to about 200 degrees (570 Fahrenheit). Be extremelly careful with the gun as you melting the rubber gloves can cause serious injury.

Placing the nozzle at about 10 centimeters away from the surface of the door, and then tilting it to a 45 degree angle, you’ll notice that the paint, varnish, or whatever coating is on the door starts to bubble up. You don’t need to stay in one spot for more than 15 seconds.

Stripping

Use your putty knife or metal scraper to carefully remove the bubbled coating. If you notice that the heat gun hasn’t been enough to get straight down to the wood grain, then you might want to break out your eectric sander with 40 grit sandpaper. Start for the edges and move the sander towards the center of the door.

Use your abrasive sponge for the very final touches of the door stripping process. Once your done, cleanup thoroughly and keep the area ventilated. You’ll also want to avoid eating in the work area for a few days.