How to Remove Paint From WPC Composite

Composite wood can often look like natural wood.

WPC stands for wood-plastic composites. This means that the WPC composite material is actually a type of wood that is used to make furniture and other various home surfaces. Sometimes, wood in your home that you think is made of natural wood is actually made with a type of wood composite material, such as WPC composite. When you choose to remove paint from a composite wood, you need to understand that it could cause some surface damage and swelling.

Things You'll Need

• Solvent-based paint stripper
• Plastic pain scraper

Instructions

1. Use a solvent-based paint stripper. This is the best option for composite wood like WPC composite because it offers the least chance of damaging it.

2. Make sure the area you're working in is well ventilated. Open windows if you're working indoors.

3. Apply the solvent-based paint stripper to the WPC composite.

4. Check the instructions on the solvent-based stripper. Allow the stripper to sit on the WPC composite surface for the minimum amount of time that's recommended.

5. Scrape away from the stripper gently with a plastic paint scraper. At least one layer of the paint should come off.

6. Repeat the application of the solvent-based paint stripper if necessary to remove the remaining paint. Wait for the WPC composite material to dry completely. Reapplying the stripper once the material is dry, if needed. It will help limit swelling.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to rinse the surface of the WPC composite with water. This can cause more swelling and damage to the surface.

References

• US Consumer Product Safety Commission: What You Should Know About Using Paint Strippers
• Furniture Renewal: Particle board and other composite wood materials

Resources

• Washington State University: Information for Consumers of WPCs