The Steps For Successful Paint Stripping

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Steps for paint stripping

So you’re looking around your home, and you notice that the paint on your door needs refreshing, or that the paint on your wooden bookshelf is peeling, and you realise that both items could do with a fresh lick of paint, but where do you start?

The first most hassle free option is to bring in a professional, but if you are on a tight budget, or just fancy having a go yourself, this guide will provide you with three easy steps for successful paint stripping!

Step One – Sourcing Materials And Wearing Protective Clothing

Preparation is key to successful paint stripping. Before you start make sure you have the right materials available. The materials you will need are: some steel wool, a metal bowl, some lint free material, a paintbrush, a plastic scraper, some mineral spirits, and some paint stripper.

Protective clothing is also recommended. This is because some of the chemicals used in paint stripping can be corrosive. It is therefore recommended that gloves, overalls and goggles are worn before you start the process.

Step Two – Applying The Paint Stripper

Shake the paint stripper before use. Next, decant the paint stripper into a metal container. Using the paintbrush, slowly apply the paint stripper from the metal container onto the wooden surface. Start in a small inconspicuous area, before gradually applying the paint stripper across all the wooden surface. Once the surface has been covered, leave the paint stripper to settle for approximately 20 minutes.

Step Three – Scraping The Paint Off

After 20 minutes you will see that the paint on the wooden surface has started to bubble. This is when it is time to scrape the paint from the wooden material. Using the tip of a plastic scraper carefully scrape off the paint. It is important care is taken to avoid damaging the wood underneath.

Depending on how well the paint scrapes off, will determine whether another coat of paint stripper will be required. If another coat of paint stripper is required, repeat step two.

Once the majority of paint has been removed, use some steel wool coated in mineral spirits to gently scrub the remaining remnants of the paint off the wooden surface. Once all the paint has been removed, wipe the wood with a clean soft cloth, which has been been dipped in mineral spirits. This provides a clean finish to the wood, and ensures the wood becomes a perfect base for repainting.

Paint Stripping Dos & Don’ts

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paint stripping

Paint striping involves the process of paint removal from a surface. The removal can be done through various methods which include scraping, electrical removal and chemical removal. Nevertheless, the chemical removal is the most preferred method for its ease of use and effectiveness.

The Dos of Paint Removal

Always buy and use the right stripper that will fit in your job. For every material, there is a suitable stripper that can be used on it. There is also a big distinction between strippers when it comes to pains, stains and other kinds of finishes. Always wear glasses to prevent the paint particles from entering into the eyes. These particles can be harmful and painful if they get into the eyes. Do wear gloves when removing paints. That’s necessary for your health. Some of the paints are harmful in case they get in contact with the stains and removing chemicals. When paint stripping, do it evenly by applying the stripper from the upper part to the downwards. The strippers will smoothly flow and distribute in a better way. If the items to be stripped are movable, do it from the outside as most of the strippers operate well under sun’s heated temperatures. Always remove the paint in without rushing. It is good to read and follow the steps that may come with your purchased stripper. For instance, you are supposed to wait for the chemical remover to soak before you start stripping. It ensures it effectively softens the surface to be removed.

The Don’ts of Paint Removal

Do not hurriedly handle paint stripping; you may find that some parts are not attended while others have an excess of it. That would be wastage. It’s necessary to have a professional do it for you. Do not use stains meant to remove some other finishes to remove pains. Such a practice will lead to poor effectiveness or and wastage since there are strippers made for paint removal specifically. Do not cause damage while stripping the paints.

You have to be careful when removing the colours. For instance, if you are sanding, you have to do it in a manner that doesn’t affect the flatness and originality of the surface. Don’t remove paints with hands or nails. At times, the dry paints may even be hard enough to cause damages. For instance, sharp portions of the removed paints may even cut into your skin. These paints can be dangerous to health, especially if they contain lead chemicals. Do not use materials that may affect the contents being under paint removal. Use of plastic cannot bring much damage. Do not use the strippers indoors. Some are powerful and may cause health hazards to you. It’s better to hire professionals to do it for you; they usually have protective mechanisms such as clothing and helmets.

Best Paint Removal Alternative

Paint stripping involves a simplified process of paint removal. However, the process requires a lot of care to avoid wastage, damage and health hazards. It’s recommendable to hire Premium Door Stripping‘s services to prevent potential problems and worries while you just await the best results.

The Differences Between Paint & Varnish

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Differences Between Paint & Varnish
There are a few obvious and fundamental differences between paint and varnish that need consideration when deciding on the required finish particularly for wood. Wood is a natural product and as such has unique features. The first and most basic decision is whether you want to highlight or hide the detail in the grain of the timber.

Choosing The Desired Effect

If choosing to display the beauty of the grain, varnish should be used. Typically it is clear and offers UV protection for the timber. Before varnishing a stain can be applied to the timber to enhance or change it’s colour.

The range of colours for stains however can be somewhat limited and tends to be based around different timber shades. It is also important to decide on the sheen level (shininess) of the varnish which can range from ‘flat’ matt to full gloss. This sheen level is often denoted as a percentage (i.e 25%, 50%, 75%, the higher the number, the more glossy).

Whilst varnish to some extent is absorbed by the timber, paint is a pure surface treatment. This means it will coat over the natural features of the timber hiding them under a smooth finish. The main advantage of paint is that it comes in a virtually limitless range of colours. This versatility is further extended if using multiple colours. Paint comes in a number of types each giving its own finish.

There are a variety of textured paints including eggshell and different levels of finish from matt through to high gloss. It is always advisable to use a primer as a base coat as this will help ensure an even finish and also gives a better representation of the top coat colour. It also helps to ‘fill’ the grain and once rubbed back with light sanding offers a pure smooth surface.

Application

Varnish and paint can be applied in several ways. Brushing is typically the most common means of application. This requires a little more attention when using varnish as the timber will absorb on contact so the process should be completed start to finish in one. In this respect, paint is slightly more forgiving.

A roller can be used in place of a brush and generally offers a more even finish. It can, however, depending on the viscosity of the paint or varnish leave a slightly textured finish.

Both paint and varnish can be sprayed, though this requires specialist equipment and a suitable environment. This is best left to dedicated professionals.

In all these cases and with both paint and varnish, it is normal to give a base coat which, when dry, has a light sanding (de-nibbing) before applying a top coat to achieve your chosen effect.

Fundamentally the choice is dependant on whether you want to work with the natural features of the timber or to disguise them. Paint has the versatility of colour whilst varnish enhances the timber allowing it to tell its story.

A List of Industrial Paint Stripping Formulas

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Stripping paint

Industrial paint stripping formulas contain a number of ingredients, each offering a specific solution in the stripping process. It is the number of constituent ingredients carried by a stripping formula that gives it the characteristics to remove pain without having to damage the target on which the paint sticks. That’s why when you are out to get a paint stripping formula you have to consider the material on which the paint rests so as to pick the right stripper. Continue reading “A List of Industrial Paint Stripping Formulas”

How Does Door Dipping Work?

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Door Dipping: All You Need To Know

Why Choose Dipping Over Manual Stripping?

Door dipping

If you have a house whose wooden doors date back to the mid-20th century or earlier, chances are they’ve been repainted several times and are starting to spot a worn appearance. One common way of restoring the original texture of the wood is by manual stripping, usually involving the use of sandpaper. Researchers have however warned of the health complications that could arise due to the manual stripping of old furniture, especially those repainted pre-1960s. Old paint is likely to contain lead. Prolonged exposure to lead has multiple negative health implications. Dipping is a safe stripping alternative to manual stripping and paintbrush stripping. At Premium Door Stripping, we use top-quality warm tanks for door and furniture stripping.

How Does Door Dipping Work? : The Process of Door Stripping at Premium Door Stripping

The dipping process takes place at our UK-based workshop. The tanks contain a caustic mixture that can detach old paint from the wood for up to 15 doors at a time within 30-45 minutes. A pressure cleaner is then used to wash off the solution alongside the now-dissociated old paint. We then let the doors dry naturally thereafter, to avoid warping and twisting.

What’s Next After Door Stripping?

There are a few care and maintenance procedures to be followed after the stripping process completes. First is the sanding process which helps revert the grainy texture of the wood caused by the dipping process. Sanding also facilitates smooth wood finishes. Also, our personnel ensures that residue material like filler is cleaned off for a visually appealing finish. However, one can opt to have their doors stay with the post-stripping look, especially if the goal is to achieve a rustic appearance.

Treatment and Finishes

Premium Door Stripping offers door treatment services where you can either choose to have your doors waxed, varnished or stained. Waxing has both a functional and aesthetic purpose, as it highlights the beautiful grainy feel of the wood material while protecting the wood from dampness. Varnishing is mostly ideal for pine wood doors as the glossy finish nicely complements the material. We recommend staining if you’re going for variety as the available wood stain colours are plenty. Finally, you can have your doors re-painted for a reinvigorated look.

Contact us Today!

If you need to bring your wooden doors back to their original glory, give us a call today on 07481 171 243 or mail us at premiumdoorstripping@gmail.com. Our agents shall offer you a price quotation and explain the procedure. We also offer fireplace restoration services.

Beware of Methylene Chloride found in Paint Strippers!

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Beware of Methylene Chloride found in Paint Strippers!

methylene-chlorideMethylene Chloride is a chemical solvent commonly found in paint strippers and is so deadly that we strongly advise leaving it to the professionals when it comes to paint stripping.

One common reason for the use of powerful paint strippers in the first place is that the average lifespan of most paint colours is around eight years, beyond which the paint will begin to degrade and peel. After this period elapses, the paint starts to degrade and peel off, which appears very unattractive. Premium Door Stripping can use these chemicals safely and responsibly to avoid your painted surfaces from deteriorating and looking horrible, you should get them stripped and repaired early enough.

Methylene Chloride, aka Dichloromethane (DCM), Methylene Dichloride and Methane Dichloride, is used most prominently in industry in the production of paint strippers.

Public Health England (PHE) reports that Methylene Chloride was used in commercially available paint stripper products until 2010 when its use in these products was banned within the European Union. PHE’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical & Environmental Hazards describes Methylene Chloride as clear, colourless, volatile liquid with a sweet odour with the following potential side effects:

  • Exposure is most likely to occur in the workplace where it is produced and used
  • Ingestion may cause burns to the digestive tract
  • Inhalation of vapours may cause shortness of breath and coughing
  • May cause cancer in humans
  • Skin contact may cause either burns or a burning sensation and pain
  • Vapours irritate the eyes and contact with the liquid form may cause burns to eyes

Of course, there are other chemical solvents whose usage should also be approached with caution as no chemical is completely ‘safe’. Aside from being hazardous, these other chemicals can variously cause damage to a user’s eyes and skin, respiratory tracts and nervous system. The chemicals also need special handling and should be kept away from children due to their irritant effect and toxicity.

However, it our professional obligation to emphasise that Methylene is so hazardous that we strongly advise leaving it to the professionals when it comes to paint stripping.

With our expertise in the paint stripping business, Premium Door Stripping specialise in removing paints from doors, furniture, fireplaces, cupboards, radiators and benches or wooden window shutters safely and responsibly on behalf of our customers. Premium Door Stripping is a reliable market supplier and leading provider of paint removal and paint stripping services in the UK.

Paint Stripping on an Industrial Scale: Methods and Chemicals Used

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Paint Stripping on an Industrial Scale

There are a number of chemicals used to strip paint and on an industrial scale. Aside from being extremely effective at removing paint without damaging surfaces, the best industrial paint strippers on the market should be eco-friendly, i.e. biodegradable and non-toxic. Whether you are restoring period furniture or simply stripping a cast-iron fireplace, industrial paint stripping is an easy process and thanks to the latest laser technology, rust and undesired paintwork can be eliminated without fuss.

Caustic Soda (sodium hydroxide) is a commonly used paint stripper as its alkaline yet highly corrosive. Heating caustic soda makes it safer for woodwork for example as the wood resides in the solution for a much shorter period. Other industrial paint-stripping chemicals which are organic compounds and miscible with water include but are by no means limited to:

• Dichloromethane (DCM, or methylene chloride)
• Propylene glycol monomethyl
• Dimethoxymethane (also called methylal)
• Phenol (popular in the aviation industry

When it comes to industrial paint stripping as a tried and tested method, the pros ‘outstrip’ the cons.

The Benefits of an Industrial Paint Stripper

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly paint removal better for environment and user
• Easier to strip paint from tight or delicate spots than a chemical paint stripper
• Fast, easy and cost-effective process
• Lack of chemicals and other treatments
• No residue, dust or water for non-messy clear up
• Wide range of methods from backpack or handheld or robotic
• Wide range of uses from vehicles to cast-iron fireplaces

As discussed in our previous post A Look at Laser Paint Stripping, this method is another viable alternative to paint stripping on an industrial scale when it comes to safety, eco-friendliness and efficiency. Laser paint strippers are only available business-to-business currently, however, if you are a company considering purchasing one, you could do much worse than a high-powered laser stripping system such as the CL100 designed by German manufacturer cleanLASER, a company which produces laser paint-stripping technology such as backpacks and handheld devices right through to high-powered heavy-duty machines. Premium Door Stripping believe lasers to be the future of industrial paint stripping, after all, what’s not to love?

The aviation industry has been at the forefront of laser stripping technology for over 40 years with laser paint and rust stripping widely used. When you consider the requirement of aircraft needing to be stripped as frequently as every five years in some cases, this makes perfect sense especially given that laser paint removal has a dual-use in stripping paintwork and removing rust. Because of this, the automotive industry is another good example of a prolific laser paint-stripping adopter particularly in the case of many vehicle repair shops who are stripping paintwork and removing rust on a regular basis.

Premium Door Stripping is a reliable market supplier and leading provider of paint removal and paint stripping services in the UK. Our expertise in the paint stripping business means that we specialise in removing paints from doors, fireplaces, cupboards, radiators and benches or wooden window shutters. Paint stripping on an industrial scale that’s chemical-free? It’s all in the method.

Reasons to Use Paint Stripping Services

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paint stripping services

Paint stripping revolves around the removal of paint, other finishes and tidying up the underlying surfaces. It may appear to be an expensive and complicated process, and you may be wondering if it is essential. Whether you work with paint on your own or you do it professionally, at one time you will need paint stripping.

Below are several reasons why you may require paint stripping services.

Paint is not permanent

Majority of the colours have a given lifespan, say around eight years. After this period elapses, the paint starts to degrade and peel off, which appears very unattractive. To avoid your painted surfaces from deteriorating and looking horrible, you should get them stripped and repaired early enough. Track the number of times and the time when you repaint to have a regular schedule.

Turning your house into your home

Most of the time, you paint your house to display its aesthetic value and express your tastes and preferences. It is essential to select the colour of paint yourself to depict your style hence your satisfaction and comfort is assured. It is important to strip off the previous paint entirely to end up with quality and more permanent paint.

Paint stripping should not only be done on chairs, doors, tables, walls, fence or beds but on every other household item that has a painting surface. This ensures that your taste and style comes out uniquely.

Improves your home’s safety

This is in the case where the already existing paint may contain lead. In the early 19th century most household paints mostly contained a significant amount of lead. It is a toxic metal that once breathed in could cause permanent brain damage.

You should make use of a lead testing kit to find out if your house is safe. If there is any paintwork containing lead, you should have it all stripped off and have a fresh and safer paintwork.

Stains and Blisters

The appearance and texture of paintwork transform over time. During the year when temperatures are cold and hot, paint contracts and expands. The newer varieties of paint are made to be more elastic than older ones, and so they contract and expand at a higher rate.

If you apply newer paint near an older paint, the non-uniform expanding and contracting causes swellings and blemishes. It is advisable to strip away the old paint and use a fresh paint uniformly.

Dangerous Chemicals in Paint Removers

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paint-remover

Paint removers are effective for stripping coats from your furniture, doors, and cabinets. The only problem is that a majority of paint removers are not safe. As a user, you should buy a stripping agent that is free of inherent toxic compounds. One very dangerous toxic compound found in most stripping chemicals is methylene chloride. The chemical is known to cause fatal effects to your body if inhaled or accidentally ingested. For this reason, you should be cautious when approaching the options.

If you don’t know what to go for and who to consult, you should consider paint stripping services. One reliable market supplier and a leading provider of paint removal and paint stripping services in the UK is Premium Door Stripping. We specialise in removing paints from doors, fireplaces, cupboards, radiators and benches or wooden window shutters. We have the expertise in the paint stripping business and can offer you the direction that you need to get the stripping job done.

What Chemicals to Avoid and Why?

Other than methylene chloride, it’s important to be on the lookout for a number of chemicals in a paint remover, including toluene, methanol, ethanol, mineral spirit, and acetone. These solvents are flammable, and may cause serious harm to you. The organic solvents may damage your eyes, skin, respiratory tracts, and nervous system. Due to the irritant effect and toxicity potency, the chemicals needs special handling and should be kept away from children.

What Chemical Option and Form is Safer?

Research shows that caustic soda is among the safest stripping chemicals to use. Premium Door Stripping employs the use of caustic soda in the paint removal services. The paint stripping services employed considers two tank options; hot and cold caustic soda. The caustic soda can remove paint from metallic and wood finishes. In addition to this, caustic soda causes no harm to you, and is safe to handle. The form of the stripper has a role to play when considering the safety of using the chemical. When comparing the liquid and paste forms, the latter is less hazardous than the former. This means there is less danger in using the caustic soda as it is in paste form.

Conclusion

Overall, your safety is a priority when buying a paint remover or hiring a stripping service firm. The company that you consider need to guarantee the safety of using the product. The bottom line is that you should avoid toxic chemicals. You should consult Premium Door Stripping for the safest paint removers.