Removing old paint from wood surfaces requires careful attention. In the case of a glossy paint finish, it may be sufficient to remove the top coat and then apply the finishing material.
The method for cleaning a wooden surface from glossy paint should be chosen depending on what further operations will be, and also pay attention to the condition of the coating. If the surfaces painted with gloss paint are in good condition, they can be used as a base for a new coating. But if several layers of paint have already been applied to the same surface, it becomes unattractive, lumpy. In such cases, the old paint will have to be cleaned off to the wood itself, after which the finish can be applied.
How to clean an undamaged glossy finish
If it is necessary to remove the paint, which remained intact during use, the coating must first be washed with warm water in which a little detergent is dissolved. Rinse the washed surface with clean water. After that, sand the glossy paint with a waterproof fine-grained sandpaper - this way the surface will be prepared for subsequent painting.
Another option is to prepare undamaged paintwork for re-painting with a liquid abrasive. The chemical should be applied using a sponge or rag - after a while after applying it to the surface, the paint softens slightly, the layer becomes dull. Thus, the surface is, as it were, washed out, cleaned of dirt.
How to remove a glossy finish with defects
If the glossy paint finish is defective, it should be cleaned off completely, right down to the wood. When completely dry, flaking paint can be cleaned off with a scraper and then lightly sanded with a sandpaper. Most of the paint can adhere firmly to the wood - but must be removed completely.
The traditional method for removing aged paint is to heat the paint with a blowtorch (gas torch). The burner can be used more complex, with the ability to connect to a large cylinder - its adjustment is thinner.
Do not heat paint produced before the sixtieth year of the last century - there may be lead. This coating should only be slightly softened to facilitate cleaning, but this should be done as carefully as possible due to the risk of fire.
The old glossy coating can be easily removed with a remover - this is the name of a special agent that is capable of entering into a certain chemical reaction with paint and varnish finishing materials. Washes can be universal or designed for a specific coating. It is more convenient to work with specialized formulations, they are more effective, but they will also cost a little more in terms of cost. Using such formulations, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment, and during work, strictly follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the selected product.
