When performing various types of repairs, it becomes necessary to remove the old paintwork. If it no longer serves reliably and protects the surface, then it must be removed. The reason is simple - the new coating will not adhere securely to the surface.
In practice, old paint is removed in several ways:
- mechanically. Scrapers, chisels, mechanical brushes mounted on an electric drill or grinder are used;
- thermally. The choice of devices is quite large: hair dryers, gas burners, blowtorches and other devices that can heat the surface layer of paint;
- chemical dissolution of the old paint layer.
When it becomes necessary to remove the previous color within a short time, a chemical method is chosen. Old paint is removed by dissolving it.
Do I need to remove old paint?
If during renovation a wall with old paint is covered with plasterboard, then there is no need to waste time dealing with the residue.
But if the plans include treating this particular surface, then the previous coating will have to be removed. Otherwise, the tile will not stick (and even if it does, it will fall off very quickly), and the wallpaper will come off as soon as the glue dries. It is generally impossible to predict how the new paint will behave on the old one.
Did you know? The word "repair" comes from France. It was originally used in the army to mean “to change an old horse to a young one.”
- what kind of paint is on the wall now, how many layers;
- what type of surface we are dealing with;
- what tools are available;
- event budget.
Most often, it is the first point that causes difficulties. The paint can be acrylic, water-based or oil-based. Even if an experienced craftsman can determine the type of paint by eye, it is not possible to guess the layers. Therefore, it is recommended to select a small area of the wall for experiments, so that you can determine the most effective cleaning method in practice.
The type of surface is usually easy to distinguish even for a novice craftsman: wood, metal or concrete. The most difficult combination to remove is oil paint and concrete.
Let's take a closer look at the instrument.
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Chemical methods
Methods for removing old coating using chemical reagents can be called the least labor-intensive. You just need to carefully distribute the product on the surface, let it act on the paint for the recommended time, and then remove the softened coating.
No. 9. Ready-made paint remover
The time interval is always indicated on the packaging, as well as recommendations for use, which we advise you to strictly adhere to.
All chemical compounds have pungent, unpleasant odors and are very aggressive. Be sure to work with gloves and a respirator, and while the solution is working, it is better to leave the apartment altogether, opening the windows for ventilation; Also, after completing the work, you cannot simply take and pour the remaining solution into the sewer. Chemicals are very caustic and must be disposed of properly. This is also mentioned on the packaging or in the instructions; The cost of such products can also be intimidating, but believe me, after you try to remove paint with a spatula, an ax or a grinder and none of the above gives the desired result, you will not want to save
Often, one liter of solution is enough to remove paint from the walls of a standard-sized bathroom and toilet; Please also note that some compounds may be intended for use only on horizontal surfaces.
Depending on the component of the base, ready-made compositions are:
- Acidic - based on hydrochloric or phosphoric acid;
- Alkaline - based on salts of various origins;
- Organic - which does not contain any salts or acids.
For removing old paint from stone surfaces, acid-free compounds are considered the most suitable.
According to the release form, solutions can be in the form of:
- Liquids - alkaline or acidic concentrates that must be diluted;
- Gels – have a milder effect and are produced on the basis of organic compounds. More convenient for use in enclosed spaces, as they do not have such a strong odor;
- Powders - used both in the form of solutions and independently;
- Aerosols - designed for working with small areas and are very convenient.
Selecting a composition for a specific type of paint is not difficult. In order not to make a mistake in choosing a remover, it is better to purchase universal solutions that are suitable for removing any type of paint. For example:
- Remover “Fail-5” is designed specifically for removing old paint and dissolves even powder compositions. It begins to act a few minutes after application. You will see how the old coating begins to become covered with small cracks;
- “Anti-paint” is a universal fast-acting remover suitable for removing paint not only from walls, but also from the floor, floor, metal, wood, plastic;
- “Docker S4” is a general construction remover used to remove all types of paintwork.
No. 10. How to make a wash with your own hands?
Still, you can try to save money and prepare paint remover yourself:
- You need to mix 250 ml of ammonia with a liter of cold water. The alcohol must be 10%. Add 2 kg of regular chalk to the resulting liquid and mix thoroughly until a paste-like mixture without lumps is formed. The resulting slurry is applied to the wall in an even layer. After a couple of hours, you can start removing the paint. Such a composition should not destroy the paint layer itself, but disrupt the strength of its adhesion to the base material;
- Another popular method is to mix 1.2 kg of quicklime with 400 g of soda ash, then add water. The mixture should resemble thick sour cream in consistency. It is applied to the wall for at least 12 hours;
- You can use liquid glass. It is applied in a thin layer over the old paint. After drying, a thin silicate film is formed, which should peel off along with the paint.
Typically, the above methods work well for either removing recently applied or worn-out coatings. For strong layers of paint, it is better to use ready-made, special washes.
Features of use
In order to remove paint from metal (in particular, from car body parts), three main methods are used - mechanical, thermal and chemical.
The disadvantages of the mechanical treatment method are the possible damage to applied areas that do not need to be treated, as well as the need for significant physical effort. The thermal method requires the presence of special equipment and the need to adhere to appropriate technology.
In home and garage conditions, the most preferable method is a chemical method of removing paint from the metal of a car body or other surface. Most popular paint removers work quickly and effectively, and are inexpensive. But which of them cope better with the task of removing paint and/or varnish are discussed in the rating below.
In order to remove old paint from metal in this way, you do not need a tool; the treatment is carried out by spraying from a spray gun or by smearing with a brush (when processing large surfaces, a roller is used). Another big advantage is that the product can be used on parts of any shape and material. However, it should be taken into account that you will have to work in a respirator, rubber gloves and in a ventilated place, and also do additional degreasing after washing is completed.
The essence of using paint removers is to apply the appropriate product to a previously cleaned surface, after which a chemical reaction occurs, which involves dissolving the old paint. In this case, only the paint coating is destroyed, and the metal (or other material) itself is not damaged, and, accordingly, is suitable for further painting, subject to pre-treatment with appropriate means.
As a rule, the effectiveness of paint destroyers depends not only on the effectiveness of the specific composition, but also on the age and quality of the paint itself. So, for example, the popular B-52 product has a limited shelf life. Any remover is applied at least two or three times, so if you didn’t succeed in cleaning the metal the first time, don’t rush to criticize the product.
Composition of paint removers
As a rule, the base of the product for removing paint from metal is an acid (it can be different, depending on the area of use, the intensity of the product, as well as the manufacturer itself; sulfuric or hydrochloric acid is often used). However, in most cases, acid poses a danger to human skin, and even more so to mucous surfaces (it is very dangerous to inhale the fumes). Accordingly, it is advisable to work with paint removers wearing personal protective equipment - rubber gloves and, possibly, a respirator . You must read the exact information about this in the instructions for the specific product BEFORE using it!
Paint removers are usually based on one of the following chemical compounds:
- Organic solvent . These can be a variety of chemically active agents, for example, benzene, toluene, acetone, turpentine and similar compounds. They are excellent for removing epoxy coatings (resins), alkyd paints, and oil-based paints.
- Acid . Usually sulfuric or hydrochloric acid is used. Removers based on them best dissolve acrylic paints, epoxy compounds, polyurethane, and neutralize pockets of corrosion. The disadvantage of such chemical compositions is that with prolonged exposure to the surface they can damage the metal. Accordingly, after application and treatment they must be neutralized with an alkaline solution.
- Lye . Typically this is sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Caustic soda-based metal paint removers are excellent for removing drying oil-based paints, as well as other decorative materials. Please note that these are absolutely NOT suitable for treating aluminum surfaces, as they can damage them by entering into a chemical reaction.
When choosing a particular paint remover, you should always pay attention to its base, since this will not only allow you to choose the most effective product in a particular case, but also not harm the surface being treated. Therefore, always read what is written in the instructions!
Removing paint from the wall
The speed and quality of coating removal depends not only on the cleaning method, but also on the wall material.
With concrete
Concrete is the hardest in this regard; it can rarely be dealt with using chemicals. Such products will only help on concrete floors and in the case of fresh paint.
Cleaning with a hairdryer and hot air is a little more effective, the main thing is that there is no oil coating involved. The process will take quite a long time and require a lot of effort, so when working with concrete, many people prefer mechanical removal methods.
An ax and a chisel will be ineffective over large areas, but a hammer drill will cope with such a task with the least amount of time.
With metal
For working with painted metal, burning with a blowtorch is best, but it is absolutely unsuitable for enclosed spaces. If the paint is crumbling well and you need to clean a small area, then first you can try to do this with sandpaper, a metal brush, or a drill with a paint remover. It's quick and convenient if you don't need to process a large surface.
Did you know? Many metals (nickel, cobalt) were named after the mountain spirits who assisted the miners of Germany and Scandinavia in extracting these materials.
The thermal method is not suitable in this case, since the material quickly gives off heat and it is extremely difficult to heat it to the desired temperature.
With wooden
But for removing paint from wooden surfaces, a hair dryer is just the thing. Wood reacts well to heat; the coating quickly begins to bubble and is easily removed with a spatula or chisel. The main thing in this process is not to damage the wood itself with the sharp edges of the tool.
It copes well with cleaning wooden surfaces with various types of chemicals. You can take, for example, caustic soda with water (2:1) and dilute it into a thin paste. This mixture should be applied to the surface until the paint begins to swell. After that, take the spatula again and remove the residue.
Important! At the end of the procedure, the cleaned wood should be coated with a degreasing solution for better preservation.
Whatever cleaning method you choose, you should always remember to use personal protective equipment, since there are a lot of harmful fumes and dust during the repair process. Also, do not forget about the features of each method and the nuances of its application on a specific material. And then the old paint will not become an obstacle to the new fresh design.
Making your own washes
At home, you can prepare your own solutions that can be used to remove old paints. It is necessary to determine which dye was used, and then apply the desired solution.
Solution #1
To remove oil paints, which also include alkyd paints (previously, thickly grated paints mixed with drying oil were used), a solution made up of two volume parts of ammonia (Fig. 10) and one part of turpentine (Fig. 11) is used. It is mixed and then applied with a brush to the object from which the old oil paint needs to be removed.
Container with Turpentine
After about an hour, the coating swells and the old layer is easily removed. The only drawback of this solution is its rather pungent odor. Therefore, work should be carried out outdoors.
Bottle with ammonia
Solution #2
It is easier to wash off metal using acids. Therefore, used sulfuric acid (used in batteries) can be used to remove old paint. It should be diluted in a ratio of 1 to 10 with water. Then apply the solution onto the paint with a brush. Wash off with plenty of water, wiping the surface with a brush.
Attention! Pouring acids into water. It's impossible to do the opposite! The solution will boil, causing splashes that can burn.
Solution #3
Nitroenamels are removed using solvent No. 646. Pure acetone can be used. It is simply applied to the surface. If the coating is quite thick, then moisten a rag and apply it to the place from which you want to remove the paint.
When should you remove old paint and why?
More often, repairs require removal of oil-based paint, and sometimes water-based paint. This need does not always arise; it depends on the type of finish chosen.
You can leave the old paintwork in the following cases:
- The walls will be finished with plasterboard.
- Lining or wall panels are used as finishing.
- When repainting, when the coating is durable, there are no chips, bubbles or cracks. Sometimes you will have to remove peeling areas by filling the base with finishing putty. This method is not suitable if water-based or acrylic paint is applied over old oil paint.
More often you have to remove paint:
- oil;
- water-based;
- water-dispersed.
Tools and materials, as well as the method, should be selected taking into account the type of old coating.
With the mechanical removal method, you can use both hand tools and power tools with special attachments.
How and how to remove old paint from walls, ceilings and floors
Let's start with the first factor - the type of paint, which depends on the type of film-forming base that binds the coloring pigments into a single homogeneous mass. Full characteristics and markings of paints are presented in the table. We will focus on some of the most popular types.
- Water-based paint
. Coloring pigments are distributed in a water base. But, despite this, the water-based emulsion is not washed off with water after hardening. This is perhaps the only type of paint that can be applied to any other without the risk of ruining the work. - Acrylic paint
. It is made on the basis of acrylic resin. It is characterized by elasticity, frost resistance, low gas impermeability, strength and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. - Oil paint
. Everyone who received an apartment from the state faced the issue of its removal. The basis for its production is drying oil, and the binding component is alkyd resin. Over time, a surface painted with oil paint loses its color, but, nevertheless, the paint does not lose its structure.
The base of the paint determines the degree of its wear resistance.
The second factor, the type of surface, is also important. It influences the way paint is removed.
Removing Oil Paint
There are many chemical removers on sale for removing oil paints (for example, Constant, Neomid, Dufa Abbeizer). They contain acetone, paraffin, and organic solvents. The effect of the removers is noticeable after 5-10 minutes: the coating softens, deforms, after which it is easy to remove with a spatula.
Material consumption can vary between 150 and 400 grams per square meter. The specific consumption rate is almost impossible to determine in advance, since it largely depends on the thickness of the paint layer. Based on the above, it is recommended to buy remover with a certain reserve.
Cleaning composition "Constant"
As an example of a remover, consider the composition from the Ukrainian-made “Constant” brand. "Constant" can be used to remove oil, pentaphthalic and glyphthalic paints, varnishes, drying oils from wooden and metal surfaces.
"Constant" contains organic-based solvents, disintegrants, and thickeners. Externally, the wash looks like a thick gray-white or brown-yellow suspension. The average consumption of the Constanta preparation is from 150 to 170 grams per layer.
Technical parameters of the cleaning composition:
- The share of non-volatile components is from 2 to 10%.
- The level of evaporation at a temperature of 20 degrees above zero is up to 6%.
- The time spent on washing off one layer is up to 20 minutes.
- Corrosive effect on metal - from 20 minutes.
Note! The drug should be stored in hermetically sealed packaging, away from direct sunlight or heating appliances.
The composition does not need to be diluted with a solvent, as it is already ready for use. However, the solution must be thoroughly shaken before use: it is important to ensure its homogeneity. If, even after shaking, separation remains (usually a consequence of storage at low temperatures), it is recommended to heat the jar in a water bath.
The wash is applied using a brush or roller at an air temperature of at least 10 degrees Celsius. After approximately 20 minutes, the paint material will begin to soften and peel off. If the layer is too thick and cannot be removed immediately, you can repeat the surface treatment with a remover.
After removing the coating, the surface should be wiped with a solvent, but not just any solvent, but from a highly volatile group. This is an important point because solvent residue can ruin the new finish.
If you are removing an oil paint stain from clothing, you should definitely wash it.
Folk remedies
If there is no time or money to purchase a cleaning agent, the oil coating can be washed off using the following time-tested folk methods:
- Mixtures of turpentine with ammonia. The solution is prepared in the following proportion: take 1 part of turpentine for 2 parts of ammonia. Apply the liquid with a brush, wait for an hour until the coating begins to swell. Remove it with a spatula, wash and dry the cleaned surface.
- A solution of quicklime (70%), potash (30%). Water is added in such a way as to obtain a viscous mixture. We apply the finished substance to the desired area, wait for at least 12 hours, after which we remove the paint and varnish with a spatula.
- A paste-like mixture of chalk and lime paste. We prepare the composition as follows: mix 5 kilograms of chalk with the same amount of lime paste. Add a little 20% caustic soda. Apply a 2 mm layer of the paste-like substance onto the material being processed. After 60-90 minutes, the paint layer will become pliable and can be removed mechanically.
Features of removal depending on the type of paint and base
Before you start removing paint from the walls, you need to assess the situation:
- determine the type of paint and the base underneath it;
- decide how much time and money you are willing to spend;
- Choose the appropriate paint removal option.
Types of paint
To determine the type of paint, start with a visual assessment. Enamel and oil paints have a glossy surface. Water-based compositions are easily washed away with water. Acrylic does not shine and does not dissolve in water.
Water-based
Often used on ceilings and in dry rooms, removing such paint from the wall is as easy as shelling pears:
- Pour warm water into a basin.
- Dip a roller or rag in water and wet the walls.
- Wait 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the coating with a spatula.
Tip: Before starting work, cover the furniture and floors with film.
Instead of a roller or rag, it is convenient to use a pump sprayer - fill it with hot water and spray. It is also convenient to soak wallpaper.
Acrylic
Unlike water-based paints, this one will have to be scraped off while working on a dry surface.
You can remove acrylic paint from the walls of a bathroom or other room using coarse sandpaper - however, it will take a long time to rub and you will need more than one sheet.
Another option is temperature. Using a hair dryer, heat up the old paint and remove it like a film. The detailed technique is described in the video.
Tip: If you plan to reapply acrylic paint to the walls, you don’t have to remove the old coating.
Oily
base, you will have to try. A solvent will help remove oil-based paint from small areas, but it has a strong odor and if the room does not have sufficient ventilation, it is better to avoid this option.
Proven temperature method to remove paint from a wall:
- Heat the area with a heat gun.
- Remove paint using a spatula.
Important: When heated, caustic substances are released into the air, so you need to work in a respirator and in a well-ventilated apartment. The safest but longest method is mechanical.
A hammer drill with a special attachment will help speed up the process; the process is described in the video:
The safest, but longest method is mechanical. A hammer drill with a special attachment will help speed up the process; the process is described in the video:
To reduce the negative impact of vibration on your joints, wrap the attachment with a rag or foam rubber.
Base
The choice of path for removing the old coating, as well as its speed and complexity, is influenced by the base.
Concrete
One of the most problematic combinations is an old layer of Soviet oil paint on a concrete wall. However, due to the porosity of the material, it is not easy to remove any composition from it. The advantage is that you can use any method: mechanical, chemical or thermal.
Plaster
Due to the ability of plaster to swell, removing paint from the walls above it will not be difficult. The simplest order:
- Make notches on the surface.
- Apply warm water using a roller or sprayer.
- Leave to act for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the paint along with the plaster.
Brick
Any brick, be it silicate or ceramic, is defenseless against chemical compounds, so the use of a remover is discarded. You will not only spoil the appearance, but also destroy the masonry itself. Hard mechanical cleaning with sand or a hammer drill is also dangerous for brick.
Remover for water-based paint
Water-emulsion layers after polymerization are quite dense; they can withstand the action of ordinary water. However, when the temperature increases to 60...70 °C in an aqueous environment, swelling of the paint coating is noticeable.
In a dry state, it can withstand exposure at higher temperatures (up to 130 ° C); in the presence of moisture, long polymer molecules break down into smaller fragments. The moisture itself penetrates into the layer. The old paint begins to be washed off.
It is even easier to remove the old layer using wallpaper glue (Fig. 1).
Rice. 1 Wallpaper glue for removing the water-based paint layer
- It is diluted in water.
- Let it brew for about an hour.
- Apply sheets of paper, such as newspapers.
- Let the glue soak in.
- Then newspapers with glue are applied to walls painted with water-based paint.
- After half an hour, the entire surface swells.
- A scraper can easily remove newspapers and swollen water-based paint.
Excellent results are achieved by using a ready-made solution (Fig. 2). It is applied to the wall using a brush, paint brush or roller.
Rice. 2 Universal remover of old paints made in Germany “Hempel”
Attention! If this wash is stored in the cold for a long time, then separation of the solution occurs. It is restored by heating to 60 °C. Then you need to mix.
This material effectively removes not only water-based and dispersed coatings. It is used to remove oil paints.
Recommended methods for removing old paint
Using chemicals
To work, you will need to purchase special cleaning agents made from organic or alkaline substances. The composition is evenly distributed over the working surface, covering a small fragment of the wall. For the chemical components to interact with the paint, wait about 10 minutes, after which the slightly swollen coating is removed using a spatula or scraper. If necessary, the procedure is repeated on the same area 2-3 times.
Advantages of the method:
• simple technology;
• gradual peeling of paint without deformation of the base.
Flaws:
• you need to provide a budget for the purchase of funds (when working in a large room, a lot of solvent will be used);
• the chemical method is ineffective for coatings applied more than 2 years ago;
• pungent odor of solvents;
• for safety reasons, work is carried out in special clothing and a respirator.
Mechanical method
This method is considered popular due to the lack of budget for purchasing consumables and efficiency. However, it is worth considering that it is also the most labor-intensive. The essence of the work is to process the wall with an ax (you need to make as many cuts as possible) followed by stripping the paint with an abrasive brush, which is used as an attachment for a drill or grinder.
Advantages:
• the paint removal process does not require capital investment;
• the resulting notches on the base will give the surface a roughness, which is ideal for subsequent laying of tiles.
Flaws:
• the success of the work depends on the correctly selected angle of the ax blade;
• when making cuts and stripping, dust rises in the room, so protective equipment is required (clothing, goggles, respirator).
It should be noted that removing paint mechanically takes a lot of time. Moreover, the operating period is shorter than the waiting time for dust to shrink. Passing the hammer drill attachment for one minute requires a 20-minute break. You won’t be able to speed up the process by moisturizing; the time saved will be used to remove dirt from the floor.
Removing paint using high temperatures
Under the influence of high temperature, the old paint begins to melt, causing the coating to swell and begin to bubble. After this reaction, all that remains is to remove the raised layer with a spatula or scraper. It is ideal to use a hair dryer as a source of hot air. It is directed to a certain area and bubbles are expected to appear.
There is no dust when performing work. The removed paint can be immediately thrown into the trash. This will save time on cleaning the room. In addition, you will not have to tear off layers of coating stuck to the floor.
With all the advantages of the method, some caution should be exercised. All paints peel off easily when heated, some of them increase adhesion to the base, they are literally baked on it
Therefore, it is recommended to test the technique on a small fragment of the wall.
Each method deserves consideration, but safety should be a priority. If the ideal solution is difficult to find, then it is possible to use several methods that are most suitable for a certain section of the wall.
Types of paint removers from metal
On store shelves, car paint removers can be found in three physical states:
- Liquid . This type of paint remover is best suited if it is to be applied to a relatively flat surface over a large area. Another option is with immersion. Usually sold in small jars or canisters. To work with liquid, you need a brush or a bottle with a spray trigger.
- Aerosols . Using aerosol cans, you can spray the remover on surfaces of almost any shape, as well as apply it to hard-to-reach places. Working with them is simple and convenient.
- Gel . It can be applied to inclined and even vertical surfaces to be treated. Gels have high adhesion and penetrate perfectly into the paint, dissolving it. The disadvantage of this state of aggregation is the inconvenience when applying it to the surface since a brush or roller is required when processing large surfaces.
The choice of state of aggregation depends on the goals set, the availability of the surface to be treated, the availability of funds in stores, as well as the ratio of price and quality of action.
Removing paint from walls without toxins
Taking into account the toxicity of previous methods, the mechanical method seems to be the safest, although more labor-intensive. If you often encounter such cases, adopt several mechanical methods, and you will be calm about your health. The easiest and most time-consuming way is to remove the paint with an axe. First, notches are made - carefully, at an angle, to knock off as large a piece of paint as possible, and then the wall is wetted with water. Through the notches, moisture will penetrate into the concrete surface and reduce its adhesion to the paint layers, making it easier for you to clean up later.
But with the help of quite ordinary tools, the work can be speeded up significantly. For example, using a grinder with a wide circle. The downside of this method is a huge amount of dust, so you can’t do without a respirator and glasses. Alternatively, you can use a chain attachment attached to a regular drill. The nozzle consists of several chain links that, when rotated, knock the paint off the surface
The method is cheap and effective, but you need to work carefully - a link can fly off the chain at any moment. In this case, the link for balance must be removed from the opposite side
Unlike an angle grinder, the chain knocks off pieces of paint without creating a lot of dust.
Of course, mechanical methods cannot be used if as a result we need a flat surface - along with the paint, pieces of concrete will break off from the wall. But such a surface will be ideal for subsequent laying of tiles or plastering. Fortunately, acrylic paint is much easier to remove - all you need to do is use a brush with metal bristles or coarse sandpaper. True, this method works when there are not many layers of paint. In any case, you can apply the methods described above. If you plan to paint the surface with the same paint, it is not necessary to remove previous layers.
Determining the type of paint coating
You need to determine the type of coating to select a chemical solvent if you decide to resort to it. Look for information about what paint the remover is intended for on the packaging, since there are a lot of manufacturers and it is impossible to describe them all in one article.
By default, bathroom walls can be painted with oil, enamel, acrylic, or latex paint. For some formulations, special methods are used to prepare for removal. Therefore, at the initial stage it is necessary to determine the type of paintwork on the concrete surface:
- acrylic - deeply absorbed into the base, cleaned in fragments with a spatula;
- silicate – the base is liquid glass, the film layer is very durable and difficult to scratch;
- silicone - the most elastic composition of all existing paints after drying;
- oil - usually glossy, curls when wetted with acetone or solvent;
- latex - a stain will remain on a rag moistened with alcohol (vodka) after intensively wiping the wall in a small control area;
- enamel - easily confused with oil due to the glossy surface, but the solvent is included in the composition initially and does not cause coagulation.
Water-based paint may contain latex, acrylic, silicone, silicate. Water in this case is a solvent that completely evaporates when dried. After which, it is no longer possible to quickly wash off the resulting film on the walls with water.
Thus, to peel off the existing paintwork on the walls of the bathroom, you can use hand-held, electric battery-powered, or corded tools. Using chemical removers or heating with a technical hair dryer can significantly simplify the work and increase its productivity.
Watch a detailed video explaining how to properly remove old paint
Principles and conditions of use
Of course, all operations with solvents require strict adherence to the safety rules stated on the packaging. Before you begin removing unnecessary paint from any surface, it must be properly prepared:
— thorough removal of all kinds of dirt, dust or oil from the work area. You can use a complex of chemical and physical effects;
— adjust, if necessary, the temperature of the surface being treated (from +8.5 C to +24 C);
— apply the mixture evenly (with a brush, roller or sponge) onto the paint;
— exposure of the created complex until the paint swells and cracks stop;
— the softened layer is removed with a spatula, a special apparatus or a scraper; — upon completion of the manipulations, the surface is thoroughly washed with warm water.
Explanation! If the soiled item is small in size, the method of complete immersion in a container with solvent is allowed!
What to consider when choosing a paint removal method?
Before starting labor-intensive and time-consuming work, it is necessary to understand what we are dealing with and try to choose a method that will still prove most effective with the least amount of labor and time.
To do this, you need to pay attention to five determining factors:
- Decide how much money you are willing to spend on purchasing the necessary tools or solutions, and whether you are ready at all;
- What time do you have? After all, it happens that the worker whom you hired to lay the same tiles suddenly gets released earlier than the agreed time and is ready to begin work at your home within a day. Then you will have to prepare the walls at a very fast pace;
- The type of base also plays an important role. It can be plaster, cement, brick or concrete;
- Type of paint – acrylic, water-based, oil or enamel. Of course, it is very difficult to do this by visual inspection, but it is still possible to distinguish the oil composition from others. Let’s say right away that the hardest part will be removing oil paint from a concrete base;
- And the last thing is the number of layers of paintwork. A thin layer can sometimes be much more difficult to remove than a thick layer, which breaks off in plates upon impact due to its own rigidity.
It’s best to “test it by the teeth” and try to remove a fragment of paint on a small section of the wall using each of the methods in turn, starting with the simplest ones.
Criteria for choosing a solution for washing off old coating
Washing off old paint can be done with various preparations, so the choice becomes more complicated; to make it easier, you can focus on a number of criteria proposed by experts. When choosing, pay attention to the properties of the substance, brand and expiration date. The integrity of the packaging must not be compromised; if there is a defect, the product may lose its properties. In addition, focus on the following:
- The purpose of the remover, if it is not known what paint will need to be removed, then choose a universal option;
- Whether the product emits strong odors or not, the absence of odor is harmless to health, and this is important when carrying out work;
- The consumption of the cleaner, of course, the lower it is, the better, to save money;
- Application method. This refers to coating or immersion of an object. When it comes to large objects, it will be difficult to independently organize immersion of it in a container with the product, but it will be more convenient to process small parts this way;
- Indicator of adhesion and indicator of runoff on a vertical surface. Both indicators need to be taken into account only when working with vertical surfaces;
- Explosion and fire safety. When it is decided to take a large amount of a substance, its storage will be difficult if these characteristics are not inherent in the selected flushing agent. Ensuring security will be more difficult;
- Corrosive activity, we are talking about the possibility of using a product to obtain corrosion formations, the lower the degree of activity, the better;
- Frost resistance. Again, this applies to large volume purchases when the product will need to be stored for a long time.
There are graffiti removers available on the market that can help clean small areas of paint without damaging the metal base.
When choosing, pay attention to the properties of the substance, brand and expiration date.
