How to Remove Paint Off Walls

If you need to remove paint off walls, you have a time-consuming, sometimes difficult task on your hands. These helpful tips will help to make your job of removing paint as simple and painless as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Scraper
• paint brush
• Heat Source
• Chemical or Eco Friendly Stripper
• Sander

Instructions

1. 

   One of the first things you'll need to decide is whether or not the old paint actually has to be removed, or whether it can simply be painted over. For example, if you are planning to repaint drywalled interiors of your home, you won't have to remove old paint before you apply the new. However, if you are repainting the exterior of an old house or the paint that is applied is flaking of falling off, getting rid of the old paint may be your best option.

2. Once you've decided that the paint does indeed have to be removed, you'll have to choose your method of removal. Each method has advantages and disadvantages and you'll have to decide which option is best suited to you and your project.

3. 

   Liquid paint strippers can be an effective choice for removing a layer or two of paint. To use a liquid paint stripper, all you should have to do is pour some of the stripper on to the painted surface. You can then use a brush to cover the surface with the paint remover. You'll need to allow the stripper to set for the amount of time specified on the can, and then you'll be able to begin scraping the paint. Once you've removed the paint, you should clean the item with mineral spirits or ethanol. The problem with this method is that it can be time-consuming, it only works well for areas that have a coat or two of paint, and the chemicals can be very harsh so it's best used on furniture that can be taken outdoors or on exterior areas of your home.

4. 

   Sanding is another option for removing paint or stain from a surface. This may be the best choice if you have hardwood floors that someone made the mistake of painting years ago. Renting a high-quality sander is your best bet, and will get rid of old paint or stain in a hurry. The disadvantage to this method is that the sander will also take off a layer or wood. Things like wood floors are traditionally pretty thick and can take a good sanding every once in awhile, but you'll have to decide if this is the option for you.

5. 

   If you have walls that have flaking paint, try using an eco-friendly stripper that can be used indoors. Eco Solutions has a paint stripper on the market that is water-based, non-hazardous, non-flammable, and solvent-free. It's safe to use indoors and the company guarantees that it won't harm the surface that is being stripped. You simply have to put it on the walls and then use a scraper to remove the old paint. It can be left on for yours, or even over night.

6. 

   One other option to remove paint off walls is to use heat. Heat works because it causes the paint to get hot and then loosens its bond to the wall. Once the paint is hot, you'll still have to scrape if off your wall, but it will be much easier than scraping from scratch and it has the advantage of not having to use chemical paint removers. The down fall to this method is that it can be extremely time consuming and if not used properly, heat can cause a fire. There are currently infrared heat items on the market that are supposed to only heat the paint to a degree high enough to scrape easily off your wall without any risk of fire.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow all directions on any paint stripper that you purchase, taking special care to see if you need to use it outdoors.

• Dispose of all chemical paint strippers properly, and the materials that you used to apply them. Read the directions on any product that you buy carefully and follow them to the letter!