The renovation process in any part of the world always takes a long time, especially if you do all the work yourself, and Barcelona here is not an exception. One of the problems that can arise on your way – effective removal of old paint from a particular type of surface.
This is a very difficult and time-consuming task. There are even such moments when the paint has been applied in several layers and has been standing for a very long time. This has happened in the past, and to this day it concerns all inhabitants of the planet. The point is the replacement of old wooden windows, on new metal-plastic packages.
Each careful owner of his home in Barcelona will not throw away old frames, but will clean them of the paint and varnish layer and take them to the country house, in order to, for example, make the same greenhouse, or find any other application for them.
In Barcelona, there are several effective and simple ways to remove old paint:
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With mechanical means.
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Through chemical treatment with special means.
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With the use of heat, thanks to which the paint softens.
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Under high pressure.
Now let’s look at each of the methods separately.
Removal of old paint with mechanical means
Each person who wants to can remove the paint with their own hands. For this, you need to acquire the necessary tools. For this most difficult process, a grinder, electric drill, a perforator, grinding machines or scrapers will do.
Different types of grinding machines will help you, but not very quickly. This method will be effective only for smooth and flat surfaces. It is better to work with a powerful grinder or electric drill, because they have special attachments with sandpaper.
After the surface has been cleaned of the paint, in order to bring it to a decent state – you will need eccentric and vibration grinding machines.
For wooden surfaces, cyclical and scrapers are ideal, without burrs. If you don’t have such tools at home – when buying, pay attention to scrapers with replaceable blades.
Removal of paint with chemical treatment
If you have decided to remove the old paint with chemical means, you need to purchase in the store a special cleaning composition. It will help the paint to become softer, after which you must remove it from the surface.
There are also significant disadvantages of this method. The composition of the chemical means is quite toxic and not environmentally friendly, which can affect the health of your organism. Always read the instructions, before buying any product.
Today, there are several types of chemical washes:
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Liquid
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Gel
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Paste
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Those that need to be diluted in water by yourself
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Ready-to-use washes
Any of these types of chemical means you need to apply to the surface of the paint and wait for a certain amount of time. Which one, you can also read in the instructions.
Apply the washes to the surface with a brush. If the paint is not pulled well, the process will have to be repeated. If, on the contrary, the paint is already soft – remove it with a spatula or a metal brush, then wash the surface with water or a special alcohol.
Thermal treatment of old layers of paint
When treating old surfaces covered with several layers of paint, you will need to use a construction and installation fan. Heat the surface well and wait until the paint begins to bubble – remove it with the same spatula.
The only drawback of this method is that it can damage any surface due to the too high temperature of the heated air.
Today, the construction market is full of a wide range. Where you can find not only an electric, but also a gas fan. The principle of its operation is the same, only you need to stock up with disposable cartridges.
How to get rid of old paint under high pressure?
Over time, any surface covered with paint loses its original properties, begins to crack and peel off. Whether it’s metal columns, columns, fences or tables – all will have to be painted again. However, in order not to apply paint in several layers, the old layer is best removed and opened again.
To remove the old paint from the surface, you can use a special device, which, with the help of strong water pressure, will remove everything necessary. Before applying a new layer of paint to the product, the surface must be dried.
Removal of paint from walls and ceilings
Usually, water-based paint is applied to walls and ceilings. Such a paint cannot be removed by a fan or a wash. In order to remove its old layer and cover, for example, walls again, you need to clean the surfaces mechanically.
The old surface needs to be soaked with ordinary water with the help of a special sprayer or brush. This will have to be done not once, and then remove the remaining paint with a spatula. Waterproof paints are only removed by dry grinding.
Final moments of the process
To remove the old paint from the surface, you need to decide on the method by which you will act. To make the right choice – you need to know which paint is to be removed, ordinary or waterproof. Then take what you need at home or buy the necessary construction material – grinder, fan, grinding machine or special chemical wash. Also, don’t forget to buy a spatula or a metal brush, because they will be needed regardless of the way to remove the old paint. Since the process of removing paint will take a lot of your time and effort – get used to it.
