Do you want to change your room colour, or has your wall paint gotten old and has started peeling? You can solve these problems easily with a fresh coat of paint. But before applying the paint, you need to remove the old one from the walls first. There are several ways to remove paint from walls: water washing, sanding, chemical stripping, scraping, and steaming. Let’s explore the techniques together to remove all the paint and get a smooth finish wall.

Paint removal methods

The commonly used and safe paint removal methods are as follows:

Water washing

Vinegar water, limewater, soap water, warm water, and hot water are all used in water washing and paint removal, depending on the paint type. Paints can be removed using this method, but use caution to keep water from seeping into the substrate. Soft soap, soda, and other alkaline soaps can damage freshly painted surfaces and leave behind hazardous residues. There is a chance of collecting and spreading moisture behind the good-condition paint if only a small portion has to be removed from an area. It can cause blistering in the near future.

Sanding

Sanding is one of the most popular methods. It is usually used to help smooth out old paint, remove dry streaks and uneven paint buildup, and ensure that new paint adheres well.
In order to remove the paint from wall you can use sandpaper, a sanding block, or a power sander. Even though hand sanding might be labor-intensive, this method works well to remove numerous coats of paint. But it may be really dirty and leave paint shavings all over your house.

Scrapping

When there is a little area to be worked on, you can use a spatula or scraper to remove any loose paint. To make things smooth, work in all directions. By doing this, you may eliminate all bubbles, lumps, flakes, or peeling paint from the wall. Use a wire brush for areas that are difficult to reach or to blend some paint into the wall. After scraping, seal any holes or gaps in the wall with caulk or joint compound. To achieve a smooth finish, gently sand with sandpaper. When it has dried, wipe with a moist sponge or cotton towel.

Chemical paint remover

Chemical paint remover is best for extensive areas or extremely stubborn paint patches. Using a wide paintbrush, you can apply the paint remover to the walls in order to complete the operation. For the allotted period, keep the formula up on the wall. After the allotted amount of time has passed, check the paint’s consistency. Remove the paint once it has softened using a scraper or putty knife. You can use sandpaper with fine grit to make the surface smooth.

Heat gun or heat plate

Applying heat makes paint flexible and facilitates its easy removal from walls. For this, a heat gun or heat plate works well. To make it easier to remove the paint from the wall, start out slowly and only apply as much heat as necessary using a heat gun. Use a trial-and-error method while keeping in mind that there is always a risk of fire. Never remove paint with a device with an open flame. Excessive heat can increase the risk of a fire and produce harmful gases. Using a specific-purpose heat plate that just gets hot enough to loosen the paint is a safer alternative.

Tips for removing old wall paint

Whenever you want to strip paint from your wall, you should keep these safety cautions in mind:

Put on Safety Gear

When removing old paint, it’s crucial to put on gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask to protect yourself from dust and fumes.

Operate in a Well-Ventilated location

When using a paint stripper or sanding, operate in a well-ventilated area to prevent breathing in dust or fumes.

Check for Lead Paint

Lead paint may be present in a home constructed before 1978. Before removing old paint, get it tested for lead content. Lead may be harmful if ingested or breathed.

Final thoughts

Paint removal is easy but a technical method. You can follow one of the above-listed methods to get your paint removal job done. If you are still confused, you can hire professional painters like Priority One Coatings to achieve a high-quality painting service near you.