How to Remove Paint From Bathroom Walls
If the paint in your bathroom is peeling or chipping, you will have to remove it before repainting or hanging wallpaper. Removing paint in a bathroom poses a challenge because many bathrooms don't have good ventilation, making many chemical-based paint thinners or removers unsafe. But there are safe ways to carry out this project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic
- Masking tape
- Paint scraper
- Wire brush
- Putty knife
- Orbital sander
- 80 grit sabdpaper
- Spray bottle
- Environmentally friendly paint stripper
- Towel
- Gloves
- Respirator
Instructions
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1
Cover surfaces, such as the toilet and sink, with plastic to make cleanup easier. Secure the plastic with masking tape.
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2
Turn on the ventilation fan if there is one in the bathroom in which you are working. This won't remove all of the paint dust and fumes, but it will help reduce them. If there is a window, open it. Leave the door open, if possible.
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3
Remove flaking or chipping paint. Use a paint scraper with a metal edge, a wire brush or a putty knife. Take your time and be careful not to damage the walls.
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4
Sand the walls by using an orbital sander with 80 grit sandpaper. Be sure that you remove only the paint and that you don't sand into the drywall. Change the sandpaper as necessary.
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5
Spray water on areas where paint remains after you sand the walls. Use the orbital sander to wet-sand the areas. Ensure that the areas on which you are working stay wet.
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6
Apply an environmentally friendly paint stripper to any remaining areas of paint using a towel or sponge. These paint strippers usually give off fewer fumes than traditional paint strippers. Wear gloves when doing this and be careful not to breathe the fumes.
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7
Remove the plastic when all of the paint is removed.
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8
Dispose of the plastic, towels and other debris in accordance with local ordinances.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear a respirator or mask when removing paint from bathroom walls to minimize the fumes and paint dust you breathe.
If you have to use paint stripper, protect fixtures near the area by taping them with masking tape or painter's tape.
If the paint in your bathroom could have been applied before 1978, it might be lead-based. If the paint is lead-based, removing it is dangerous, and in some locations, illegal. Instead, contact the health department to locate a contractor certified to remove lead paint.
