Effective methods on how and how to remove old paint from a wooden floor

During renovations, the question often arises as to whether the flooring needs to be replaced.

To make a decision, you need to critically examine the floor, decide what is best - use a new coating or restore the old one.

Read below to learn how to remove old paint from a wooden floor at home.

Removing water-based paint using rubbing alcohol

The essence of this method is to let rubbing alcohol (otherwise known as isopropyl alcohol) do its job.

Carefully remove as much paint as possible using a spatula. Then take a rag and soak it in a mixture of three parts rubbing alcohol and one part lemon juice.

Apply the resulting liquid to the stain and leave for five minutes. Then carefully remove the paint using a rag. Use a brush (tooth-sized or larger) if a rag does not achieve the desired result. Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth and you're done!

Removing old paint using solvent

To choose the right solvent that will remove old paint, you need to know what chemical component it is made from. In the case of water-based paint, water is used as a solvent.

If you are going to remove paint with a solvent, but do not know what it is made from, use a universal solvent. The instructions for the product should describe how to use it and what surfaces it should not be used on.

The sequence of actions when cleaning stains using a solvent is as follows:

The solvent is applied to the surface of the product; The paint softens within 5-10 minutes; A little more solvent is applied to a clean sponge, and with its help the remaining paint is removed.

This method is suitable for cases where paint needs to be removed from a small surface. For example, from clothes or a buried floor.

How to remove paint from a wooden floor: methods

Sooner or later, the paint layer, no matter how durable it is, wears out and also requires updating. Touching up the paint is not always enough to solve problems with the beauty of the flooring. Sometimes it is necessary to completely remove the old layer. At the same time, try not to spoil the floor or make it worse.

You need to start doing this directly in the following cases:

• When the overall appearance of the wood floor has deteriorated;
• The paint began to peel;
• The coating has changed color (for example, faded or faded/lightened);
• Spots appeared;
• The floor needs leveling;
• Tile installation will be carried out.

There are 3 ways to effectively remove the old paint layer:

1. Mechanical cleaning;
2. Use of special chemicals;
3. Heat treatment of the surface (that is, heating).

It is not recommended to paint over the old layer. This can cause unnecessary problems, such as poor door opening or the appearance of uneven, unsightly, conspicuous stains after drying when the old paint shade does not match the new one.

Precautionary measures

Regardless of the chosen method of processing the old coating, you must adhere to basic safety rules that will help avoid a number of negative consequences. Basic precautions include the following:

1. When using chemicals in your work, you should ensure that your skin and respiratory tract are protected. For this purpose, wear a mask and rubberized gloves. Also, before processing, you should study the instructions for the chemical composition.
2. When working with power tools, there is a risk of snagging nails driven into the wooden floor. For this reason, it is necessary to remove all protruding parts before starting repairs.
3. When heat treating the surface, there is a high risk of burns. When heating a layer of paint, you need to use heat-resistant gloves and ventilate the room to remove toxic substances.
4. When performing manual mechanical removal of the coating, you need to take care of protection from accidental cuts.

Mechanical impact

Mechanical removal is a simple way to remove old coating. The paint can be removed with an electric or hand tool. Before starting work, evaluate the structure of the wood. Harsh abrasive tools will destroy soft material. Pressing hard on a wooden object has the same consequences. Removal begins with smooth movements.

Sandpaper treatment

The method helps to quickly remove old paint from a wooden door, but the coating must be thin. It is not suitable for removing thick cracked layers or treating hard-to-reach areas.

The paint and varnish composition is removed as follows:

1. Prepare several sheets of sandpaper. It is recommended to use abrasive material of different grain sizes.
2. The coating is treated with coarse sandpaper. This method removes the top layer.
3. Replace the coarse abrasive material with a finer one. The wood is cleaned until a smooth surface is obtained. Using a block wrapped in sandpaper makes the job easier.

The advantage of this method is not only the availability of consumables, but also the absence of the risk of damage to the base.

Using a drill

In this case, the tool is held perpendicular to the surface being processed. Perform smooth movements, removing each layer in turn. The applied force is increased gradually. Cleaning produces small particles that can get into your eyes.

Cleaning angle grinders

When processing the surface with an angle grinder, observe safety precautions. Do not turn on the device at full speed; the product being processed may be damaged. To quickly remove old floor or wall coverings, use a petal nozzle. Before starting work, take a stable position and grasp the machine with both hands, which prevents the tool from slipping.

The discs quickly become clogged with paint particles, so they must be changed promptly. The last layer is removed manually. The surface is leveled with sandpaper, dust is removed with a damp cloth.

Removal with a wire brush

Before removing paint using this method, the object being treated is taken outside. If this is not possible, furniture and household appliances are covered with plastic film. The same material protects the floor. This makes subsequent cleaning easier.

Removing the old layer is done like this:

1. Using an ax, notches are made on the coating. The surface is moistened with water and waited for absorption.
2. Using a metal brush, remove the top layers of paint and varnish. To make work easier, the tool is held at an angle relative to the base.
3. Remove the lower layers with sandpaper. Level the wood.

A simple method is often used to remove the decorative layer from doors, log houses, and window frames. This treatment ensures good adhesion of the plaster to the base.

Mechanical method

The most environmentally friendly way to remove paint is mechanical. Moreover, this method can be used in any area; it is suitable for cleaning window frames and door panels.

You can mechanically remove old paint from the floor manually and using special devices. Most specialists use a grinding machine for this method. To learn how to remove old coating from wood with a grinder, watch this video:

You can use an electric drill with a special attachment - a brush or a scraping machine, if available. In the latter case, you will additionally level the floor surface for further decorative finishing. The cut of the boards can be opened with varnish, preserving the texture of the wood.

A thing of the past, but still relevant

It’s a paradox, the older the surface, the more terrible it looks, the easier it is to answer the question of how to remove old paint from wood - with a simple spatula and with your own hands

This desire to obtain a reliable answer to the question posed has its own homespun truth. The fact is that there are quite a few ways to remove paint from wood, and all of them, at the same time, are both suitable and no good.

It all depends:

• on the state of the layer being removed;
• condition of the wooden surface;
• layer thickness;
• its location.

Possible methods

These removal methods can first be divided into three groups:

mechanical - with spatulas, sandpaper, in general, using physical impact on the paint:

this method suggests itself if the paint has already clearly come off from the surface;

But the solution to the question of how to remove old paint from wooden windows by sanding is very possible; here the area of ​​work is much smaller

• we try to apply it first of all, in any case;
• but the use of grinding is associated with a large amount of dust, so you cannot do without respiratory protection;
• sanding often does not completely remove paint; it only greatly reduces its thickness;
• inept or careless use of a spatula or machine can damage the surface itself, which will cause even greater problems in the future;

A hairdryer by itself will not be enough; you should also keep a spatula under your hands

This is especially true for removing paint using a rotating attachment on a drill - a good method, but using a drill at low speeds will not be as effective, and high speeds will almost certainly lead to damage to the surface, if you think about the life ahead.

temperature - in this case the surface is subjected to strong heating:

• but you still have to remove the paint with a spatula;
• heating requires very precise temperature control, it is better to act gradually, gradually reducing the adhesion of the paint to the surface, otherwise damage to the wooden base itself cannot be avoided;
• heating can be carried out with a hairdryer, preferably a more powerful specialized construction iron, or an iron; it is also better to use special construction incarnations of this home appliance;

This heating method is a better solution to the problem than removing old paint from wood, but you will need instructions for adjusting the surface temperature and work experience

• but a hair dryer is not very effective, especially since in this situation you cannot do without an assistant who will remove the paint;
• It is very difficult to remove a thick layer of oil paint with a hairdryer, which only melts under the influence of temperature and turns into an oily mass that is difficult to remove with a spatula;
• An excellent option is to use “construction irons”, but they have one drawback - they are effective only on large and flat areas, there they simply have no price.

The photo shows the preliminary stage of removing paint using a “destroyer” - applying it to the surface

chemical – here we use all kinds of solvents:

• no, no one needs harmless acetone here - special solvents are used and the more powerful the paint “sits”, the “eviler” the solvents are;
• but they will be angrier not only to the paint, but also to you, so we strongly recommend that when using all kinds of “paint destroyers,” as they are arrogantly called, you use personal protective equipment and work only with gloves and not only glasses, but preferably a mask, completely covering the face.

Sometimes you just get lucky - a little warming up and such a simple means for removing old paint from wood

From heaven to earth

To put it bluntly, there is no single effective way to quickly remove paint from wood.

Usually all possibilities are used, and the behavior algorithm is usually as follows:

• first we try to achieve something with an ordinary spatula, and if the paint was applied in compliance with technology - a layer of primer was responsibly placed on the wood and only then everything was painted - then a spatula is often enough;
• then only the surface will need to be treated with medium sandpaper;
• if the spatula does not “take” the paint, we try to greatly reduce its layer with a machine so that the texture of the wood shows through; (See also the article Is it necessary to prime the ceiling before painting: features of the work.)
• Next, we heat the surface, and
• We apply the destroyer;
• upon completion, treat everything again with a regular solvent, and,
• sand the clean surface.

This method also works great, but it is important to act very carefully so as not to damage the wood.

Methods for removing old dyes

Having determined the type, you can begin to choose a method for removing it from the surface. As a rule, experts identify 4 methods that will help get rid of the old coating layer:

1. chemical;
2. thermal;
3. manual (mechanical);
4. electromechanical.

The chemical method involves the use of a special washing mixture that contains caustic chemicals. They emit an unpleasant odor and it is impossible to work with them without a gas mask. The wash mixture can only be used for powder paints. The mixture is evenly distributed over the surface, left for a while and removed along with the paint with a regular spatula.

The thermal method is based on heating processes. For this purpose, use a simple blowtorch or a construction heat gun. The surface is heated and the warm paint is scraped off by hand. But the method is very dangerous, and not effective in all cases. For example, it will be easy to remove a heated layer from wood, but heating and removing paint from concrete is much more difficult.

The mechanical or manual method is the simplest. This can be done using an ax, scraper and spatula. With a sharp ax, small cuts are made at a short distance from each other. Using a scraper or spatula, pry up the layer and remove it like scales from a fish.

The electromechanical method is very similar to the manual method. Only an electric drill or grinder is also used. A hard metal brush is attached to the tool and the surface cleaning begins. This method will help remove any type of paint, so you don't have to think twice about removing paint from a wall and just use power tools right away.

What to do if the surface is painted with oil paint

As a rule, the thermal method is especially effective when removing oil paint. In this case, it will be better to remove the paint with a hairdryer, which is used during construction. Two people work: one heats the surface, directing a hot air stream to the desired location, the other quickly removes the softened composition using a spatula. The main thing in this process is not to overheat the layer, which will lead to charring of the substance and it will be much more difficult to remove it. But this is not the only way to remove oil paint. This can also be done using a regular iron and foil. A large sheet of foil is attached to the surface and ironed. Immediately after this, the paint is cleaned off using a scraper or spatula. You can use liquid glass and cover the surface with it. As it dries, it becomes deformed and the film peels off along with the paint. A solution of potassium carbonate is also used: 0.5 kg is diluted with 1.2 kg of quicklime, brought to a slightly thick consistency and applied to a painted wall or other surface. After 12 hours, the paint can be freely removed.

What to do if the surface is painted with water-based paint

This type of paint is the most unstable in relation to moisture. Its base is polyvinyl acetate, which is very easily washed off with water. That is, before removing water-based paint from any surface, you only need to purchase soap and a sponge. The surface is moistened with water, the sponge is soaped and you can begin to scrub off the paint.

What to do if the surface is painted with acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is much more stable and cannot be washed off with a simple soap solution. It will be much more effective to resort to mechanical means of removal - an angle grinder disc or a spatula. You can also use old newspapers to remove acrylic paint. They paste over the area to be cleaned and wait until it dries completely, after which the paint can be easily removed along with the newspapers.

You can also remove a layer of paint efficiently using a regular chisel. Of course, it is tedious and tedious, but it is effective. A good way to get rid of old paint is to use stripping mixtures and a hair dryer. Of all the above, you need to choose how to remove old paint based on the situation. Only the right approach will help solve the problem quickly and effectively.

Interesting ways to remove old paint from a wall video

Video:

Basic removal methods

Before removing old paint from wood, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic methods of cleaning the surface and choose the best option for your wooden product.

Today the most common are:

• chemical method using special reagents;
• thermal method using high temperatures;
• mechanical using mechanical action on the surface.

Chemical removal method

To implement this method, special solutions are used that contain chemical reagents to destroy the paint layer on the surface.

Apply chemicals with a brush or roller

The reagents are applied to the product to be treated using a regular brush or fine-pile roller. After this, you need to wait the set time for the chemical to do its job and finally remove the old layer of paint using a spatula, without applying any force.

This cleaning option is considered the fastest and does not require physical exertion, however, the chemicals have pungent odors and toxic substances are released when working with them. Before using them, it is necessary to ventilate the room and use a respirator to protect the respiratory tract. It is also necessary to use protective gloves, as contact of this substance with the skin can cause chemical burns. It is worth noting that such products are quite expensive and the waste material requires special disposal.

You can prepare a composition for destroying old paint and varnish yourself. For this, a mixture of lime and potassium carbonate is used, however, this product is much less effective.

Thermal removal method

Everyone has long known the method of removing old coating using a conventional hair dryer, since this option is the cheapest and very effective.

It is enough to simply heat the painted surface to the desired state, after which the paint can be easily removed with a regular scraper, spatula or chisel. If you don’t have a hair dryer and don’t have the necessary finances to buy a new one, you can use regular metal foil. Place the foil against the surface and heat it with an iron, then safely remove the old layer.

Before removing old paint from wood using a thermal method, it is worth considering that the treated coating can ignite if it is overheated, so take care of the possibility of extinguishing in advance. It is also not recommended to use a hair dryer in areas with electrical wiring or plastic products, as the temperature can damage them.

Mechanical cleaning method

If it is not possible to use thermal or chemical methods to remove the old coating, then you can use mechanical cleaning. This method is quite effective when working over large areas, since the use of various electrical devices significantly speeds up the process. Most often, a grinder with a special circle is used, on which sandpaper or any other similar material with an abrasive is placed.

Sometimes a grinder is used to remove paint from wood.

When using a grinder or electric drill, paint is removed dry, which is accompanied by a large amount of dust. When working, be sure to use protective gloves, goggles and a respirator. Before removing paint from wood mechanically, it is necessary to take into account the type of wood, since the use of abrasive materials can cause damage to the surface being treated if the sandpaper is chosen incorrectly.

If the sandpaper has a coarse grain, then when processing with great pressure on the surface, large scratches and depressions in the wood may occur. If this happens, change the sandpaper to finer sandpaper or do not apply much force when processing. If scratches or depressions occur, the surface must be puttied and primed before painting.

Methods for removing paint

There are several methods for removing old paint:

• chemical;
• thermal;
• mechanical.

They differ from each other in technology and materials used. But in general, they are all effective; you just have to choose the method that is suitable in a particular case.

There are several ways to remove old paint from a wood floor.

Mechanical method of cleaning floor paint

This is the most popular and familiar method to many, since in general it does not require the purchase of any special compounds and equipment. Although, depending on the capabilities and wishes of the master, some specific tools may still be needed.

Both hand and power tools can be used for this type of paint removal. The latter do the work as quickly as possible. Plus, they provide maximum convenience when carrying out work. Usually they are used to clean large areas. Hand tools are used for additional cleaning of hard-to-reach areas or for cleaning small areas.

Mechanical method

Hand tools are:

• scraper;
• metal brush (wire);
• putty knife;
• sandpaper mounted on a special holder.

Sandpaper holder

An electric tool is:

• Sander;
• drill with a metal brush;
• grinder with a special attachment;
• stripping milling cutter.

On a note! Depending on the type of paint used, not all tools may be useful. For example, special paint removal machines or milling cutters do not always cope with oil-based compounds.

Cleaning router RENOFIX RG 80 E-Plus

The mechanical method of removing outdated paint also includes sandblasting the surface. Using a special device, the floors are exposed to a stream of air and water enriched with sand particles. Since the impact occurs under high pressure, paint is removed from the surface of the floors quickly and efficiently. Sandblasting equipment is also used to remove rust from metal surfaces. The advantage of this method is the ease of removing the coating in hard-to-reach places where neither an angle grinder, nor a drill, nor a grinder can cope.

Homemade sandblasting scheme

Homemade sandblasting can be made from a gas cylinder

But, since sandblasting is not a cheap equipment, the paint is usually removed using improvised means that are available at home.

Table. Handy tools for removing paint from the floor.

On a note! The mechanical method of removing the coating is more often used for incomplete removal of paint - for example, in places where it is swollen or peeling. The tool is only used to clean up areas that have lost their appearance. They are then given a coat of fresh paint.

Cleaning the floor from paint

The main advantage of the mechanical method is its simplicity and versatility. It can handle any type of paint. But the main disadvantage is the high level of labor intensity of the method. To make the work easier, it is recommended to soften the paint, which will be discussed below.

Use of chemicals

The compositions used to remove old paint are made based on alkalis, acids, and all kinds of solvents. They are easy to use - applied according to the instructions to the floor surface, left for a certain time, and then removed. Usually the composition can be simply washed off with water. Although in some cases, after treatment with chemicals, you will have to work with your hands - soft and swollen paint is removed with a spatula or scraper.

Old paint is removed from wood using special solutions.

Important! It is necessary to work with any chemicals only with gloves so as not to harm the skin of your hands. To use some, you will also need to purchase a respirator.

The main advantage of the chemical method is that you do not need to make strong efforts to get rid of the coating. However, you will still have to spend money on purchasing the compounds. It is not recommended to use these substances to remove paint from a large surface - this will be very costly financially. Another disadvantage of the method is that chemistry often cannot cope with old paint, the service life of which is more than 2 years. Most likely, in such a case, you will have to re-treat the floors.

Paint remover

Important! The resulting waste must be disposed of in a special way; under no circumstances should it be washed down the drain.

Chemical methods also include the use of some improvised means. For example, mineral kerosene removes old paint perfectly. Sometimes even ordinary warm water can cope with it - it all depends on when the surface was painted, what the floors are made of, and other factors.

Removing paint

Another “folk” way to remove paint from the floor is to use soda ash and lime; 1.2 kg of quicklime is mixed with 400 g of soda and filled with water until a creamy consistency is achieved. This mixture is applied to a layer of paint and left for 12 hours, after which the paint is scraped off. You can also simply moisten the floors well with water and sprinkle with soda ash - the old coating will rise and be easily removed with a spatula.

Soda ash

Application of the thermal method

In this case, the old paintwork is exposed to heat. Thanks to this, the paint softens and can then be easily removed with a regular spatula. For heating, burners, hair dryers, and sometimes even ordinary irons through a layer of foil are used.

Example of thermal removal of old paint

The good thing about this method is that it allows you to remove even old paint, which bubbles after heating and is easily removed with a spatula. In this case, new paint can be applied immediately after removing the old one - there is no need to wait until the floors dry. No other special preparation is required, so the floor repair will be completed quickly.

The thermal method is convenient and easy to implement, but has its drawbacks. For example, it is important not to create a fire hazard. Also, some types of paint, when exposed to high temperatures, release toxic substances into the air, which limits the possibility of using the method in unventilated areas.

Thermal method of removing paint from the floor

Important! If the paint is overheated and not immediately removed from the floor surface, it will bake and be impossible to remove.

Features of cleaning the floor from paint

Removing paint from the floor is a seemingly simple task, but this type of work still has some peculiarities

For example, it is important to follow safety precautions

1. When working with heating devices, you need to be careful not to get burned. Also, do not inhale the vapors that are formed when the paintwork is heated. A respirator must be used.
2. It is also advisable to use protective equipment when working with substances used in the chemical method of removing coatings. Gloves and a respirator will help protect your skin and respiratory tract.
3. When removing the coating using mechanical methods, a large cloud of dust is often formed, which is also not recommended to inhale - respiratory diseases can develop. In addition to a respirator, it is recommended to use goggles to protect your eyes.
4. You should always follow the instructions for using chemicals and tools.
5. It is better to first test the selected paint removal method on a small area of ​​the floor, since in certain cases one or another method may be ineffective.

Old paint stays strong

Thermal method

Construction hair dryer
The essence of the process is to heat a layer of paint to the swelling temperature. Many have observed how a painted board behaves when thrown into a fire: the coating begins to bubble.

After heating and softening the paint, it is immediately removed from the board with a spatula. With this method, the paint does not leave marks on the wood, the wood does not require further sanding and is immediately ready for further work. The more layers have been applied, the easier it will be to remove the enamel when heated.

Once the paint bubbles, scrape it off

As a heating element, you can use a hair dryer, various burners, and even an ordinary household iron. In the latter case, in order not to damage the device, you should heat the paint through a layer of paper or old newspaper.

The technology of the thermal cleaning process is simple: you hold the heating element with one hand, and remove the paint with a spatula with the other. The skill is acquired quite quickly in 10-15 minutes.

Disadvantages of this method:

• Not all rooms can use open flame appliances;
• When heated, paint releases harmful toxins into the air;
• If the foam material is not removed immediately, it will become embedded in the wood so that it will no longer be possible to wash it off in any way.

Before starting work, try this method on a small area. Some types of paints have the opposite effect when heated and penetrate deeper into the wood structure.

The advantages are that, once you get used to it, the work goes quite quickly, and the cleaned wood has an ideal appearance. For more information on how paint is removed, watch this video:

Classic approach

Old floors covered with thick cracks and blisters can be cleaned with a simple spatula. Buy a tool with a wide and sharp blade that covers large areas. Protect your hands from cuts and pieces of the paint layer with thick rubber gloves. They work in a respirator or gauze bandage so that particles of dust and wood do not enter the respiratory tract and cause irritation of the mucous membranes.

Start with a section of the floor where the paint has almost separated from the boards. Use a spatula to pry up the swollen coating and carefully remove it. The mechanical method is the most time-consuming and labor-intensive. A person will have to spend 7–8 hours on one small room. The method is harmful to the back, because the worker spends a lot of time in an uncomfortable position.

Mechanical paint removal damages the surface of the boards. Chips and unevenness remain, cracks appear. Defects will have to be sanded and sealed with special primers and other leveling compounds.

The spatula can be replaced with a scraper, rasp or ax. Hand tools are usually used for processing baseboards and hard-to-reach areas. The remaining areas are cleaned of old paint with a drill. A large-diameter round brush with steel bristles is placed on the device. You can replace the drill with a grinder with a grinding attachment.

The electric tool is pressed to the floor and turned on. Move slowly, removing a layer of paintwork. You need to work in thick gloves and closed shoes. Sneakers, boots or boots will do. No sandals or rubber slippers. Closed shoes will protect your toes from cuts. Protect your eyes from dust and rolling pins with goggles. Be sure to wear a respirator so that particles of sawdust and paint do not settle on the nasopharyngeal mucosa.

The ingrained coating, which cannot be removed by a drill or grinder, is removed with a chisel. The tool is tilted at an angle of 45–60 degrees and the handle is gently struck with a hammer. In this way, the space between the boards and the plinth is cleaned, as well as the holes that are leveled with paint.

After cleaning the paint, the wooden floor must be sanded. Sandpaper attached to a wide block or spatula will do. It is easier to carry out repair work with a special grinding machine. The device will remove unevenness and roughness and prepare the boards for applying a new layer of paint.

If you need to remove a paint coating applied in several layers, it is recommended to combine the mechanical method with a chemical or thermal one. Removers or a hair dryer will soften the paint, and then it is removed with a spatula or electric tool.

A scraping machine can clean and renew a wooden surface. The sharp knives of the tool remove the top layer of boards along with the paint coating. After the equipment, a flat and smooth surface remains, which can only be cleaned with fine-grained sandpaper. You don't have to buy the tool. They borrow a car from friends or rent it for a few days.

Large rooms are cleaned of paint using sandblasting equipment. The method is fast and reliable, but expensive. The equipment “shoots” small pebbles or crushed stone, removing paint and polishing the boards.

If you need to update a small room, you can use the old method. You will need an axe, a bucket of water and a paint brush. Use a sharp instrument to make shallow cuts. The main thing is to break through the protective shell. The floors are soaked generously with water and left for a day. Moisture will be absorbed into the wood, softening the paint from the inside. All that remains is to remove the swollen coating with the same ax or spatula. The floors are thoroughly dried before sanding to ensure good adhesion of the wood to the new paintwork.

Remove paint

How to paint walls with water-based paint over old water-based paint Technology of painting walls with water-based paint

A mixture of acetone and gasoline should be used as the main product when removing oil-based paints. Before starting work, you must put on a respirator. Along with this method, there are currently other methods that allow you to get rid of old paint. However, they all have one drawback. It lies in the fact that the process of removing a layer of old paint itself lasts quite a long time.

Another product that can be used to remove old paint is soda ash. It must be mixed with slaked lime. When using this method to clean surfaces, you should remember that the product, consisting of slaked lime and soda ash, is liquid in consistency, so it is better not to use it when working on the ceiling. Otherwise, you may face great difficulties.

A heat gun is the most popular method for removing old paint. The paint comes off much easier and noticeably faster when exposed to a stream of hot air. When using this tool, be aware that holding a hair dryer in the same place for a long time may cause the paint to catch fire.

If you do not have a hair dryer at your disposal, then in this case, as an alternative to it, you can use a blowtorch or electric iron.

But it is worth noting that this method is applicable only when you have a sufficient amount of free time at your disposal. For example, if you need to clean the surface of a wooden floor in your home from old paint, it may take you 2-3 days to complete this job.

If you are short on time, then you should choose the products offered by the chemical industry to remove paint. To the average consumer they are known as “paint strippers.”

Absolutely any surface can be treated using such products. A wide spectrum of action is the main difference between modern products designed for paint removal.

Both wood and even metal can be treated without problems using “paint remover”. Even if on such surfaces there is a layer of paint in several layers, then with the help of a remover you can deal with it without major problems.

Gelling agents must be used in cases where a layer of paint needs to be removed from the ceiling. Using such products, you will prevent them from dripping during use.

Although manufacturers of such compounds claim that their products do not contain harmful substances, it is still better to play it safe and wear a respirator. After applying the composition for the duration of the room's effect, you must leave the room.

When carrying out renovation work in houses whose construction dates back to the middle of the last century, it is necessary to remember the lead that was contained in the paint used at that time. When removing it, you should use a mask. This way you will protect yourself from the smallest dust particles getting into your respiratory tract. It is best to spray the surface you will be working with with water. Wet cleaning of the room should be carried out immediately after the paint layer has been removed. When cleaning, you should use cleaning products containing large quantities of phosphates.

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Heat treatment

This method of processing wooden products is universal. It can be used to remove even dried or cracked paint. The method is suitable for cleaning hard-to-reach elements or large objects.

The following tools are used to perform the procedure:

1. Gas-burner. The device is used to process outdoor objects, such as entrance doors, facades, window frames, shutters. Working with an open flame increases the likelihood of a fire. The surface is treated with a burner until bubbles or streaks appear. The wood is cleaned of melted paint with a spatula or scraper.
2. Construction hairdryer. The tool may be used indoors. The device is connected to the electrical network, a stream of hot air is directed at the object. The paint melts, causing streaks or blistering areas. They are removed with a spatula. The tool is regularly cleaned of paint and varnish material, which makes further work easier. To remove paint in hard-to-reach places, use a metal brush of the required size. Removing the coating with a hairdryer is considered more effective. Unlike a burner, it does not burn the wood and leaves no marks.

Before starting treatment, the surface is prepared. The base must be cleaned with a stiff brush. The resulting dust is removed with a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth.

After treatment with a hairdryer or burner, wait until the coating dries and clean the base with fine-grained sandpaper. This helps eliminate any defects that have appeared. Wood is degreased with solvent or alcohol. This method of removing paint is well suited for preparing wooden objects for decoration.

Cleaning methods at home

There are several most common ways to remove paint from wooden surfaces:

Let's look at different techniques

Let's look at some of the nuances of using all three possible methods for removing old paint.

Mechanics

Here you have to do a lot of manual work:

• whether it will be a spatula, a grinder or a drill;
• there is a lot of dust, but there is no way to wet the surface - the situation with paint waste will only worsen;
• some people decide to use a hard metal brush and are very satisfied, but they were just lucky with the surface;

Temperature

Here you can use any device that provides a highly heated air flow:

• hair dryers immediately suggest themselves, and they are very widely used, you can use any, but only special construction ones will bring real results;
• but you can use so-called thermal guns - special devices for removing paint from wood, some even call them miracle tools in their field, paint is “afraid” of them like the devil of incense; although in this situation you cannot do without a spatula;

The results of using solvents are always impressive, but they are not always applicable; the hidden cost of their use is the impact on the very condition of the tree

“irons” do not provide air flow, they “apply” the temperature directly to the surface. If you choose the right temperature and do not get carried away, then removing paint with such an iron is a pleasure (see example in our photo).

Chemistry

The action of chemical methods is traditional:

• they corrode the paint, allowing you to subsequently simply “wipe it off” with a rag soaked in kerosene or even warm water; How “elementary” this erasure will be depends on the strength of the chemical reaction itself;
• but on the other hand, the stronger this reaction, the greater the detrimental effect on the tree itself, and this is the main disadvantage of this method of removing paint;
• paint removers are available in liquid, gel or water-soluble form;
• in fact, you can prepare such a preparation yourself by creating a caustic paste - dilute caustic soda in water, stir everything thoroughly and add oatmeal to form a paste; Caustic soda itself is good for removing paint on wood, and the paste is very helpful for removing thick layers and in hard-to-reach places;
• the use of chemicals in everything requires careful care of personal protective equipment, which we never tire of repeating.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely remove paint using a sanding machine over large areas, but you can significantly reduce its layer until it dissolves.

Working with a shredder requires preparation of the workplace; first of all, it must be well ventilated

Sequence of application of methods

The fastest way to remove paint is by heating it with a hair dryer. What is not removed is removed with a power tool. Someone here already has what. Most often, an electric planer and a grinding machine are used at the final stage. It's just that if you use them to remove a thick layer of paint, it will take a lot of time and materials. For a plane - several sets of knives, for a sander - a bunch of sandpaper.

This is definitely faster...

You can further speed up the process if you use a sanding machine for leveling. It can be used to remove paint if you have several sets of attachments for it. Some companies and private owners provide sanding services for painted floors - prices start at 200 rubles. per square meter.

Preparatory stage

Before you start work, you need to prepare properly. This complex includes:

1. Purchase of tools and household chemicals. Depending on the chosen cleaning method, you will need: a grinding machine, a hair dryer, paint remover, a spatula, kerosene, a brush, etc.
2. Protect surrounding objects from dust and other contaminants. For this, polyethylene film is used.
3. Prepare personal protective equipment. The classic set includes: gloves, construction glasses, respirator.
4. Prepare the metal surface for upcoming cleaning. Dust and other contaminants are removed from it. If household chemicals are used, you can clean the paint with a stiff-bristled brush. This will increase solvent diffusion and speed up the reaction.

When all the preparatory steps are completed, you can begin to work.

Methods for removing paint from a surface

As we have already said, the hardest thing to remove from walls is oil paint.

Chemical method of removing paint

• Advantages: fast and simple.
• Disadvantages: high toxicity of the product, strong specific odor, need for special disposal, high price.

ATTENTION! CAREFULLY! When working with chemicals, take precautions: the room must be well ventilated, skin, eyes, and respiratory organs must be protected, there should be no children or pregnant women in the room

Thermal paint removal method

This method involves using high temperature, as the name of the method implies. It will require the presence of a construction hair dryer, which should be used to heat the painted surface until the paint softens, after which it can be removed from the floor, wall, doors with a spatula or scraper.

Be careful and careful! This method is not suitable for working in electrical wiring areas and near decorative coatings.

The thermal method can only be used in well-ventilated areas; when working, be sure to use personal protective equipment for the skin, respiratory system and vision.

• Advantages: relatively fast.
• Disadvantages: difficulty of operation, pungent odor, toxic substances are released into the air when heated.

Mechanical method of removing paint from a surface

The essence of the mechanical method is to apply notches to the walls with an axe, after which the wall is moistened, left for a few minutes to absorb water into the paint, then the paint is cleaned off with the same axe. By choosing the correct angle of inclination of the ax, the work will go much faster.

The method is ideal for further tiling of surfaces with ceramic tiles, since its installation requires a non-smooth surface for better adhesion.

How to remove acrylic paint from walls

You can remove acrylic paint from the surfaces of floors, ceilings and walls with a regular wire brush. You can also use coarse sandpaper (sandpaper). Before work, you should protect your hands: wear protective construction gloves. Good paint will be difficult to remove, so the previously described methods can be used quite effectively. By the way, acrylic paint adheres perfectly to an old layer of acrylic paint if it is still in excellent condition.

IMPORTANT! When using any paint removal from a surface, be sure to use personal protective equipment for your eyes, hands, and respiratory organs (respirators, goggles, protective construction uniform, etc.), and consultation with specialists is also required before using any product, method or method

Take it off or leave it on?

Typical for Soviet apartments, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, was the painting of walls and floor coverings. Today, when making renovations in their apartment, almost every person is faced with the problem of removing old paint from surfaces, and how to remove old tiles from the floor before leveling it, or before laying new ceramic tiles on it.

Since this is a rather difficult and painstaking process, we often wonder if we can do without it and restore the floor and walls over the painted surface?

You can't transform a room without removing old paint.

For example, in the case of plasterboard walls, the paint can be left on the wall. However, in cases with the floor, the painted surface will have to be abandoned, due to the fact that the degree of adhesion of such bases to tile products, cement and other types of building mixtures is very low.

Why do you need to remove old paint before painting?

Wooden bases often suffer from defects due to high indoor humidity, constant exposure to ultraviolet rays and other third-party factors. As a result of long-term use, cracks appear on the surface, and if the coating is not removed before laying a new layer, then they will appear on the fresh base. Sometimes it is possible to apply the material on top of the previous coating, but in such a situation there is a possibility of the formation of a layer that is too dense, which will interfere with the comfortable opening and closing of doors.

How to remove a fresh stain?

A fresh stain on linoleum is the easiest to get rid of. Therefore, if paint gets on the floor, you should not hesitate, but immediately begin active actions to clean the floor:

1. A fresh stain of water-based paint can be removed by wiping the floor with a clean paper towel or soft rag.
2. Refined sunflower oil or laundry soap will help to wipe off fresh acrylic stains that have just appeared.
   It is enough to treat the dirt with oil or rub with soap, wait ten to fifteen minutes and collect the dirt with a paper towel.
3. Fresh stains of oil paint and nitro enamel will be removed with special solvents. A piece of rag is moistened with a chemical solution and used to wipe away the dirt on the floor.

You can reduce the amount of work required to remove paint from linoleum after renovation if you follow the ritual of preliminary preparation of the room.

Algorithm of actions:

• the room is cleared of furniture as much as possible;
• carefully lay plastic film on the linoleum;
• secure the protective film around the perimeter of the room and at the joints with masking tape.

During the renovation process, the film, of course, can tear, but without it there will be much more paint stains on the floor.

This video will show you how to quickly remove fresh paint from linoleum:

Mechanical method

This method is the most familiar to many and popular today. It does not require the purchase of specialized equipment or drugs. But, depending on a person’s desires, certain power tools may be required to quickly and effortlessly remove old paint from a wooden floor.

The mechanical method involves the use of electric or manual tools. The power tool makes it easier and significantly faster to remove paint from the floor, and also makes this process as convenient as possible. Thanks to the electric attachments, large painted areas can be cleaned. A hand tool is used when you need to clean a hard-to-reach place or remove paint from a small floor.

The following are used as hand tools:

• wire brush;
• scraper;
• putty knife;
• sandpaper or a special abrasive mesh fixed on the holder.

Power tools are the following devices:

• a drill with a metal brush installed on it;
• grinder;
• grinder with an abrasive attachment;
• milling cutter for stripping.

Important! Not every tool can handle every type of paint. For example, to remove old oil paint that has been applied to the floor in several layers, a router or sander may not be suitable.

Another way to remove paintwork is sandblasting. A special device delivers a powerful stream of water mixed with air and sand. This jet is supplied under high pressure, as a result, even the oldest paint can be removed from the surface of the wood quite quickly. Sandblasting is used not only to clean wood, but even to remove rust from metal. One of the advantages of this method is the speed and ease of cleaning even the most inaccessible areas that cannot be reached with a grinder, drill or grinder.

If ceramic tiles will be laid on the surface of the wood, then you can remove the old paintwork from the floor with a regular hammer. Used for cleaning small areas, this small hand tool allows you to remove old varnish and paint. A chisel can remove even the toughest paint quite easily, especially in hard-to-reach areas, such as in the corners of a room. The main disadvantage of the mechanical cleaning method is the high labor intensity of the work.

How to remove a relatively fresh one?

If the floors have been painted relatively recently - 1-2 years and 1 or 2 layers of paint have been applied to the wood, then it can be softened by moistening it generously with hot water and leaving for 2-3 hours, removing the soaked dye mechanically.

If this method does not help, then the floor should be thoroughly wiped and moistened with mineral kerosene or any other solvent.

After the paint has softened, remove it using one of the following tools:

• brushes with metal bristles,
• scraper,
• spatula.

When using chemicals to clean the floor, it is necessary to ensure the room is ventilated to avoid poisoning by toxic fumes.

worth taking care of:

1. protective clothing,
2. hat,
3. respirator,
4. gloves.

How to remove different types of coating?

Different paints have their own physical and chemical properties, adhesion characteristics, therefore, in order to remove it from a wooden surface as efficiently as possible, it is advisable to know its type:

1. 
   Oily. Has the strongest adhesion to wood.
   Due to its properties, it lasts longer on boards and is most often applied in several layers. To remove it, complex work using thermal and mechanical methods is most often necessary.

2. Acrylic paint.
   Recent layers are easily removed after soaking with ordinary hot water, mineral kerosene or alcohol solution. The old layer is removed thermally or mechanically.
3. Water-based dyes. They are easily removed from wooden surfaces mechanically, after preliminary wetting with water.

If it is not possible to determine the type of paint coating, then you can use a universal remover, the composition of which allows you to dissolve different types of paints. However, these remedies are not as effective as narrowly targeted ones.

Preparatory work before removing paint from the floor

An important detail of the work ahead is the availability of the necessary tools. The composition of its kit depends on the method of cleaning the floor, but in general it can consist of a spatula, a scraper, chemical paint removers, an industrial hair dryer, an electric drill, special attachments for it, a sander and hand abrasives. During the process of cleaning the floor, a significant amount of dust can rise into the air in the form of crushed particles of paint, which then settles on the floor and forms dirt, mixing with fragments of concrete, wood and remover solutions

Taking this into account, it is advisable not to move furniture to free up a particular area of ​​the floor for repairs, but to remove all of it from the room. The same applies to household equipment and other furnishings.

During the process of cleaning the floor, a significant amount of dust can rise into the air in the form of crushed particles of paint, which then settles on the floor and forms dirt, mixing with fragments of concrete, wood and remover solutions. Taking this into account, it is advisable not to move furniture to free up a particular area of ​​the floor for repairs, but to remove all of it from the room. The same applies to household equipment and other furnishings.

So that after repairing the floor you do not have to “repair” your health, you should acquire the necessary means of protecting your skin, eyes and respiratory organs. Some of them can be found at home, and others can be bought in the store - dust glasses, thick clothing, a respirator and gloves. You should put an old hat on your head or, if you don’t have one, make one out of newspaper, just like in the good old days.

Unfortunately, there are no absolutely harmless methods that do not require special labor and have an immediate effect for removing paint from the floor. There are only three main options for cleaning any painted surface: mechanical, thermal and chemical. Each of them has its own positive and negative sides. So, let's proceed to a detailed consideration of these methods.

Application of the thermal method

Removing paint using a hair dryer

The thermal method of removing paint from floors involves heating it to high temperatures.

Under their influence, the paint will crack and peel off from the base coating.

After this, the coating must be removed with a steel spatula.

You can use special hair dryers or burners to heat the surface.

The thermal method is characterized not only by efficiency, but also by simplicity.

However, it has its drawbacks.

When using this method, it is necessary to use devices that can cause a fire in the room.

That is why their use must be done as carefully as possible. The use of this method in enclosed spaces is strictly prohibited. This is explained by the fact that when the paint is heated, toxic substances are released, which can lead to human poisoning.

The main disadvantage of this cleaning method is that it cannot be used to clean every floor covering.

If the coating is removed from cement floors, then this technique is useless. It is not recommended to use this cleaning method for metal surfaces.

This is due to the fact that the metal heats up excessively. When working on metal surfaces, there is a danger of getting burned.

The mechanical method of cleaning surfaces from paint coating is not safe enough. That is why it is necessary to carefully prepare before using it, and in some cases, abandon it altogether.

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.

Why remove old paint?

How to remove old water-based paint from ceilings and walls
In order to have a solid motivation for the need to clean surfaces, you need to understand that the main reason why timely removal of old coatings is mandatory is that this ensures, in the future, full adhesion of the base to new material applied to it. Old paint significantly impedes adhesion, regardless of finishing methods used. Can half measures be an alternative?

Taking into account the difficulty of the cleaning process, some people try in every possible way to bypass it and simply leave everything as it is, some limit themselves to half measures:

• apply new compounds such as “Betonokontakt” to the walls;
• deep grooves (notches) are made on the walls with a chisel, reinforced with a spatula, an ax, or other tool.

Definitely, you can’t leave the coating on! This can lead to the fact that all further finishing work can be reduced to zero, since at any moment the newly installed coating can simply peel off from the wall and collapse. It is possible, of course, that everything will turn out well, but this is a very unreasonable risk.

Aggressive compounds such as “Betonokontakt” are effective if the paint is deeply absorbed into the wall. If the paint has already begun to peel off, then the use of such a primer is not advisable. Roughness will, of course, appear in the top layer, but this will not make it stronger. In addition, if reinforcement is located very close to the wall surface, then the use of such aggressive compounds can provoke metal corrosion.

Notches can significantly increase the adhesion of the surface to the new material. The wall must be processed very efficiently: the notches must be deep enough and there must be a lot of them. It is physically very difficult to do such work with hand tools; the choice of this method can only be justified for small rooms: bathtubs, toilets. It is extremely difficult to treat large areas with this method, but it is indispensable in poorly ventilated places when chemicals cannot be used. It’s most convenient to make the notches with an axe; you can also use it to clean off the paint. After making the notches, the surface must be sprayed with water from a spray bottle and then the paint must be removed with an ax or a reinforced scraper. By choosing the optimal angle of inclination of the tool, you can clean the walls quite well.

If you want to make a quality repair from start to finish, you shouldn’t limit yourself to half measures, since there are many other effective methods that guarantee an excellent result.

What methods do experts recommend?

Experts use different methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. All methods known today are usually divided into three groups:

• chemical removal;
• thermal removal;
• using mechanized tools.

Chemical method

Cleaning old paint from a surface using various chemical reagents is called the chemical method. It consists of applying the reagent to the surface, maintaining the time specified in the instructions and cleaning the pliable layer. The composition can be applied with a roller, brush or sponge; the softened layer can be cleaned with a spatula, metal brush or scraper. If the desired result cannot be achieved in one go, the procedure must be repeated several times.

The advantages of this method: it does not require significant physical strength; Surfaces can be cleaned fairly quickly.

The disadvantages are that: there is a danger of poisoning, since all the compounds used are highly toxic; reagents are expensive, except for those that you can prepare yourself; Special disposal of the removed paint along with the chemical is required. Most of the tools used for work become unusable: the aggressive composition corrodes not only brushes and rollers, but even metal.

Safety precautions required when choosing this cleaning method:

1) Work only in a well-ventilated area. 2) It is unacceptable for children, pregnant women, people with allergic diseases and pets to be in the premises, both during and after the events. The room becomes safe only when the smell has completely disappeared from it. 3) When working with chemicals, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment: goggles, special gloves and tight overalls. 4) Do not allow reagents to come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. 5) It is unacceptable to drain the remaining reagents into the household sewer.

When should paint be removed?

Conventional paint as a finishing material is familiar to everyone; it is perhaps the most popular type of finishing used to give a finished look to floors and other surfaces of any type. It not only allows you to decorate the walls or base of the apartment, but also protects the surface of the floorboards from excess moisture, exposure to sunlight, various parasites, etc.

Wood floor paint

But, like any other coating, the applied paint periodically needs to be updated. For example, when there is a renovation that does not involve removing the old floor covering, there is a need to repaint the floors or simply change the color of the floor so that it matches the design and interior of the room, the paint must be removed.

Also, removing paint from wooden floorboards is carried out in the following cases:

• deterioration of the general appearance of the floor;
• peeling paint;
• changes in coating color;
• stain formation;
• the need to level the floor;
• installation of tiles on a wooden base.

Wood floor repair

On a note! Many apartment owners, wanting to save time and money, apply a fresh coat of paint to the old one, but this is not recommended. One of the reasons is the formation of a layer that is too thick, which will prevent the doors from opening normally. Also, the new layer may lie unsightly, which will ruin the entire appearance of the floor.

It is not recommended to apply new paint over old paint

The most problematic thing is to remove the old paint that was used to paint the floors back in Soviet times. This is due to the fact that over the entire long period of operation of the floors, the pigment of the paint and varnish material has managed to penetrate deeply into the structure of the wooden base, which is why it will not be easy to remove such a layer of coating. But if you want, you can handle any paint layer.

You can remove any paint if you wish.

How to remove old paint from a wooden floor

Previously, wooden flooring was of such good quality that to this day there is no need to replace it.
In those good old days, we could envy the durability of floor paint. But today, owners of such floors are faced with the following problem: if they want to change the texture or color of the wooden covering, the old paint does not want to wash off at all. It, of course, was worn out in some areas where the highest traffic was noted, but in secluded places it was well preserved, as if it had been applied yesterday. Therefore, first you should learn how to remove paint from the floor. Content:

The need to remove paint from the floor

Paint of all varieties is a very popular material, which is usually used as a decorative finish. It is especially often used for wooden surfaces and floors. Paint gives the floor an attractive appearance and protects it from various unfavorable factors, namely high humidity, exposure to sunlight or the harmful effects of pests.

When repairing a painted floor, it becomes necessary to apply a new layer of paint, but before doing this, be sure to remove the previous one. Of course, in some cases you can apply paint on top of the existing coating, but often the painted layer is quite thick, which can interfere with closing the doors. In addition, the paint cracks in places, which is why it is always necessary to remove the paint layer from the surface of the wood. You want your floor to always look attractive and flawless, right?

It may also happen that after a certain period of time, which is usually indicated on the labels of containers with paint and varnish material, the paint on the floor surface begins to turn yellow and peel off. In this case, it is necessary to carry out repeated peeling, since the wood may lose its performance properties, and then it will be necessary to carry out a major overhaul of the wooden floor.

Before you remove paint from the floor, you need to decide what type of coating is in front of you:

1. Wooden floor. Removing paint from such a floor is not particularly difficult, but you still need to remember that if the boards were attached to the joists with nails, then it is better not to use some tools - an electric plane, a sander, because they may break.
2. Self-leveling floors. It is quite easy to remove paint from such a surface with any tool. But if, when pouring a self-leveling floor, small depressions form on it, which are subsequently filled with paint, minor problems may arise. However, these depressions can be easily cleaned of paint by hand.
3. Tile floors and linoleum. If you need to remove paint from such coatings, it is best to use a hair dryer, since when using another tool there is a small risk of damaging the linoleum, tiles or the tool used.

Methods for removing paint from floors

The most common methods for removing paint from floors are chemical, thermal and mechanical. Most often, chemical and mechanical methods are used to remove old coating from wooden floors. The thermal option is more professional, as it allows for high-quality surface cleaning. If you were unable to remove the old paint using any of the above options, then you should simply remove the floor itself.

Mechanical method

To clean the floor from old paint mechanically, you can use both electric and hand tools - brushes, stripping cutters, surface grinders. The technology for removing paint using a power tool is quite simple: to do this, you only need to press the working part of the tool used onto the surface being treated and move gradually as the paint is removed.

Hand tools are most suitable for cleaning small areas, removing loose particles, or using them in hard-to-reach places, since working with them is a rather labor-intensive process. The most effective and common tools for manual paint cleaning are scrapers, spatulas, sandpaper holders, brushes, as well as planes and rasps.

When mechanically removing paint, a grinding machine (angle grinder or grinder) is usually used. For these purposes, a special wire brush is installed on the grinding machine. If you don’t have a grinder in your arsenal, you can use a drill with a steel brush to remove old paint from the floor. Professionals also use surface grinders and special stripping routers to remove old paint from the floor, but they are not entirely suitable for oil-based paints.

There is another method of mechanical surface cleaning called sandblasting. In this case, a stream of air and water with abrasive particles is directed onto the surface. Thanks to high pressure and high particle speed, not only paint, but also rust is removed from the surface. The use of this method does not require surface preparation or removal of dirt and dust from it. Also, the sandblasting mechanical cleaning procedure makes it possible to remove the coloring composition from hard-to-reach places.