Tips and Tricks: PREPARING SURFACES AND PREMISES

STRIPPING SURFACES

Introduction

Stripping involves removing old layers of paint, varnish and adhesive. Two stripping processes can be applied indoors. One is physical and consists of scraping, burning and sanding; the other is chemical.

Scraping works on flat surfaces, but it requires much effort. Burning is mainly applied outdoors and could scorch surfaces or cause them to ignite. To sand surfaces, use 60-80 or rougher grades of sandpaper.

Chemical products provide the easiest, the most secure and the most efficient way to strip off old coatings on most surfaces. Polyprep 802-105 chemical remover is used to strip off water- and solvent-based paints, linen oil, adhesives, masonry, metal, some synthetic surfaces as well as lacquer and varnishes applied on wood. To remove black glue (tar glue), we recommend Rust-Oleum 3599 which is easier to use.

Attention!
  • Protect surrounding surfaces using polythene drop cloths or old newspapers.
  • Wear safety goggles, rubber gloves and old clothes.
  • Use the chemical remover in a well-ventilated area.
  • Avoid inhaling fumes.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Keep clean water nearby in case solution spatters on skin.

Checklist

  • Chemical remover
  • Heat gun
  • White, lint-free rag
  • Putty knife
  • Metal or glass container
  • Old natural bristle paintbrush
  • Safety goggles
  • Shop vacuum cleaner
  • Good quality rubber gloves
  • Polyethylene drop cloth or newspapers
  • Comfortable old clothes
  • Sandpaper (60-80)
  • Awl for hard-to-reach areas
  • Bucket of lukewarm water
  • Stainless steel wool, synthetic wool or synthetic pad
  • Metal or wood scraper
  • Stiff horse-hair brush
    •

    Methods

    Stripping surface with Polyprep 802-105 chemical remover:

    1. Shake remover.
    2. Unscrew the cap with a rag to avoid splattering contents caused when you apply a slight pressure on the container.
    3. Pour the remover on the surface or into a metal or glass container. The amount required varies according to the thickness, hardness and age of the coating to be removed.
    4. Apply the remover with an old natural bristle paintbrush as wide as possible.
    5. Let it work until the old finish lifts from the surface. To improve the effectiveness of the remover, spread a polythene drop cloth on the surface to reduce solvent evaporation.
    6. Remove the old softened up coating with tools appropriate to the surface: scraper, rounded-edge putty knife, awl, stiff horse-hair brush, medium coarse stainless steel wool or synthetic wool or pad, etc.
    7. Repeat as needed.
    8. Clean the surface with a lacquer thinner and wipe it with a clean, dry and lint-free rag.
    9. Let the surface dry before applying the adhesive.

    Stripping the surface with Maxithane 802-273 chemical stripper:

    1. Pour the stripper on the surface or into a metal or glass container. The amount required varies according to the thickness, hardness and age of the coating to be removed. Extremely hard or glossy coatings can be stripped more quickly by scuff sanding the surface prior to applying the stripper.
    2. Generously apply an even coat of stripper directly to the surface with an old paint brush or pallet knife.
    3. Let stand until the old coatings have softened up or lifted (approximately 15 to 45 minutes).
    4. Remove the stripped coatings with tools appropriate to the surface: scraper, rounded-edge putty knife, awl, stiff horse-hair brush, medium coarse stainless steel wool or synthetic wool or pad, etc.
    5. Repeat as needed.
    6. Clean the surface with Polyprep 705-107 lacquer thinner and wipe it with a dry, clean lint-free cloth.
    7. Let the surface dry.
    8. Rub the surface with a 60 or 80 grade sandpaper to restore the surface to its natural finish.
    9. Rub a second time with a 120 or 180 grade sandpaper.
    10. Vacuum up dust from sanding.
    11. Wipe remaining dust from surface with a damp rag.

    Stripping a wood surface with a heat gun:

    1. Keep the heat gun 4 or 5 inches from the surface until the coating lifts up.
    2. Move the gun constantly to avoid burning patches of wood and only do small areas at a time.
    3. Remove loosened paint using the right tools for the surface such as a scraper, putty knife, awl, stiff bristle brush or stainless steel wool.
    4. Rub the surface with a 60 or 80 grade sandpaper to remove any residues and restore the surface to its natural finish.
    5. Vacuum up dust from sanding.
    6. Wipe the remaining dust from the surface with a damp rag.
    7. Let the surface dry before applying adhesive.