By Dorothy Edison
In older houses, stripping paint from woodwork may mean revealing and removing layers of lead-based paint. In these cases, it is important to use a chemical solvent to remove paint; heat or mechanical paint removal methods could cause harmful fumes.
Chemical solvents work by blistering and lifting layers of paint from wood over the course of several minutes. The paint can then be gently scraped off with a flat-edge tool. However, proper safety precautions must be followed, and it is advisable to have all of your necessary tools and equipment ready before beginning to strip paint from doorframes, window frames, and baseboards.
Make sure you have the following:
For Stripping Paint
• Flat-edge scraper (a putty knife with the corners rounded will work well)
• A paint brush for applying solvent
• Tools that will help you get into cracks and crevices – like steel wool and toothbrushes
• Plenty of drop cloths to prevent solvent from coming into contact with other surfaces
• Lots of newspaper
• Cans (coffee cans work well) in which to store the sludge from the paint removal process
For Safety
• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Safety goggles
• Old clothes that cover all skin
Fresh air is essential when removing paint from interior surfaces. That’s why it is best to remove paint when it’s possible to open all windows and doors. Fumes from chemical solvents can be harmful. Plan to work when you can take breaks for fresh air away from the solvent. Always read the instructions on the can of solvent and follow them as well as all safety precautions.
Generally, apply solvent liberally to about 2 feet of the painted surface, working from the top of your doorframe or window frame to the baseboards. Wait for the solvent to work (the chemical’s instructions should specify an amount of time), then scrape off the paint into into many layers of newspaper. You may have to repeat this process several times if there are many layers of paint on the wood.
Remove all of the solvent by wiping and rubbing thoroughly. Use rags for flat surfaces. Pitted wood may require more work – use steel wool or a brush to get into small crevices. Allow the stripped area to dry overnight before beginning the refinishing process.
Allow solvent to evaporate from tools and from newspaper wrappings outside, then dispose of in coffee cans. Contact your local waste management facility for specifications on disposing of potentially harmful chemical agents.
Manually stripping old paint off of window frames, baseboards, doorframes, and doors takes a lot of time and elbow grease. However, the work is well worth the effort. Few things in a home are more beautiful than natural wood surfaces. They add warmth and character to any room and complement any interior décor.
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