How To Strip Paint
Heat gun
Chemical stripper
Old paintbrush
Flexible metal scraper
Spokeshave
Nylon scourer
Steel wool
Rubber gloves
Goggles
Budget
A heat gun costs from £10; paint stripper costs from £6 per litre
Time
Allow at least three hours for a panelled door
Skill
No experience needed
Step One: Stipple On The Paint Stripper
Pour some of the chemical stripper into the plastic lid and screw the lid back onto the container to stop it evaporating as you work. Use an old paintbrush to dapple the stripper over the woodwork.
Step Two: Scrape Away The Paint
Leave the stripper to react with the paint (check the manufacturer's instructions) until the surface layers can be scraped away without damaging the wood. You should be able to remove the paint with only gentle scraping. Test every few minutes.
Step Three: Work With The Grain Of The Wood
Remove paint from spindles, handrails and mouldings with a shaped scraper or spokeshave and coarse steel wool or a nylon scourer. Try and work along the grain of the wood to avoid scratching the surface.
Step Four: Neutralise The Stripper
Neutralise the stripper with plenty of warm water or white spirit, depending on the maker's instructions and leave it to dry for at least 24 hours before repainting.
Step Five: Use A Heat Gun
Only use a heat gun on larger flat areas of wood, such as doors and stair treads - it's very easy to scorch mouldings and delicate areas if the gun is held for too long in one place. Hold the nozzle about 50mm away from the surface and move the gun from side to side as you scrape off the melted layers.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area - open all windows and doors and turn off any heating. If you can, take the pieces outside.
- Wear old clothes, goggles and gloves when working with paint stripper. Follow all the maker's safety instructions.
- An old chisel is handy for getting into tight corners. Hold the handle like a pen and draw the blade across the loosened paint.
- Choose a heat gun with an accessory pack that includes heat shields to protect glass or walls from the heat.
- Never use steel wool to strip oak as the metal will leave black stains on the surface. Use a nylon pad instead.
Illustrations: Ed Roberts
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