How to Build an Infrared Paint Remover
An infrared (IR) paint remover is not only environmental safe, but will let you avoid the damaging fumes that come with using paint removing chemicals. The IR paint remover separates the paint from the oils on the wall so that the paint can be removed with very little effort. You will need a ceramic heater and a few other items from a hardware store. You do not need mechanical or electrical skills to make the infrared paint remover. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Newspaper
- Ceramic IR heater
- Paintbrush roller
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Electrical tape
- Microwave extension cord
- Outdoor extension cord
- Phillips screwdriver
- Small plastic trash can lid
- Utility knife
- Bonding glue
Instructions
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1
Place the newspaper on a table. Place the ceramic IR heater on top of the newspaper. Strip off 1 inch of insulation from the two wires attached to the ceramic IR heater with the wire strippers.
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2
Cut off the female end of the microwave extension cord with the wire cutters. Strip off 1 inch of insulation from the two wires with the wire strippers.
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3
Wrap the end of the black wire from the ceramic IR heater around the end of the black wire of the microwave extension cord. Wrap the end of the other wire from the ceramic IR heater around the end of the other wire of the microwave extension cord. Wrap electrical tape around all of the wires so that they can no longer be seen.
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4
Cut two horizontal strips out of the plastic trash can lid using the utility knife. Place one horizontal strip into the position on the paintbrush roller that was occupied by the roller.
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5
Poke a hole in each corner of the horizontal strip with the utility knife. Insert a screw into each side of the horizontal strip and into the holes on the paintbrush roller. Screw the horizontal strip into the paintbrush roller in place of the roller.
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6
Apply bonding glue to each side of the other horizontal strip. Place the horizontal strip below the first horizontal strip against the paintbrush roller. Let the bonding glue set for at least a day.
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7
Apply bonding glue to each of the ends of the two horizontal strips. Place the back of the ceramic IR heater against the horizontal strips so that the bonding glue sticks to the ceramic IR heater. Let the bonding glue set for at least a day.
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8
Pick up the paintbrush ruler by the handle. Plug the end of the microwave extension cord into the outdoor extension cord.
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9
Plug the outdoor extension plug into a socket for power on a wall which has paint that you want to remove.
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10
Flick the “On" switch at the side of the ceramic IR heater to turn it on. Move the infrared paint remover you have made back and forth against the paint to remove it from the wall.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear work gloves to protect your hands from the infrared heat being generated by the ceramic IR heater.
Failing to use a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord can lead to electrical failure.
