Paint Stripping to Preserve Your Wood

If your moldings look worn an old and the wood underneath needs restoration, paint stripping is the way to revive your woodwork. Working with crown molding can be an extra challenge, but with the right tools and materials, you can restore your furniture to its former beauty. 

Before beginning the paint stripping job, clean and remove thoroughly all of the grease and grime from the surface. The next step is to take a heat gun to remove the paint. Special care should be used when applying heat to wood surfaces, because sparks can hide underneath moldings and can cause a fire later, so be sure to inspect the surfaces entirely before moving to the next step. Use a chemical material for further paint stripping. In general, thicker paint is easier to remove and peels away more easily than a thin layer. Avoid using chemical peels that darken the wood. Scrape off with a brass bristle brush and rinse and wash the wood with Trisodium phosphate. Follow with a solution of cold water and vinegar.

Once this phase of paint stripping is complete, use a wax solution and a stain. A dark stain gives an antique look, while the lighter stain shows the grain of the wood. If your wood has shellac on it, it can be easier to remove, restore and finish it. Working around moldings may require special tools that are smaller and deal with hard to reach areas for cleaning, peeling and applying stain. Make sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves when dealing with potentially hazardous tools and materials and use extra care with the heat gun to prevent fires from starting. Following these steps can help you preserve your furniture and wood work and restore the color of your moldings. In addition, paint stripping can improve the value of your items and help them last longer and remain in flawless condition.

Need the help of a professional? Contact our team at Tom Saint Painting and Remodeling. We’re happy to help you with all of your paint stripping needs. Call today or click here for a free quote.