How to Strip Paint Off a Door

Use a heat gun to strip paint off a door.

Strip paint off a door without the use of harsh chemicals by using a heat gun. This tool releases air at an extremely high temperature to soften paint. A putty knife or a paint scraper is then used for easy removal. The heat gun is capable of removing numerous layers of paint. It is easier to strip paint off of a door by removing it from the hinges and placing the door on sawhorses, but this is not necessary. Do not use a heat gun with lead paint as this could be a health hazard.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas drop cloth
• Heat gun
• Screwdriver
• Water
• Cloth
• Paint scraper/putty knife
• Steel wool
• Sawhorses (optional)

Instructions

1. Place a canvas drop cloth underneath the work area to catch debris. Avoid using newspaper since it is flammable; you don't want to get a heat gun near it.

2. Remove door hardware such as door handles and locks. Remove the door from its hinges, if you choose, and lay it over a pair of sawhorses for easier access.

3. Clean the door with water and a cloth to remove debris. Avoid using chemicals on the surface before using the heat gun.

4. Point the heat gun at a small area of the door. Hold it five inches away from the surface. Keep the heat gun stationary for two to three minutes or until the paint starts to bubble, then remove the heat gun so that it doesn't damage the wood.

5. Use a paint scraper and carefully scrape the paint away using moderate pressure. Do not apply too much pressure or the paint scaper will scratch the door.

6. Move the heat gun in a circular motion and direct the hot air to the next small area, until the paint in this area starts to bubble.

7. Scrape the paint off of the door and continue heating small areas and scraping until the paint is completely removed.

8. Turn the door over and repeat the process on the other side until the paint is removed.

9. Remove stubborn paint in cracks and crevices with steel wool. Remove debris with water and a cloth.

10. Allow the door to air dry thoroughly. Re-paint or refinish the door as needed and allow the new finish to dry.

11. Reattach the door hardware. Reattach the door to the hinges, if you removed the door.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove paint in crevices with a spatula, metal nail file or sandpaper.

• Practice using the heat gun on a scrap piece of painted wood.

• Read and follow all manufacturers' warnings and instructions for using heat guns.

• Wear a respirator to avoid breathing toxic fumes.

• Wear protective gloves and goggles.

• Use a heat gun with caution and keep away from fabric and plastic.

• Read the lead paint safety guide by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

References

• Ace Hardware: Removing Paint and Varnish
• Flooring and Carpets: How to Remove Paint
• Repair-Home: Stripping Paint and Varnish From Your Furniture

Resources

• The Home Depot: Using a Heat Gun
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control