Strippers!

[jessimeredith]

Bet that caught your attention, lol.

I need some advice on stripping paint from our woodwork trim in the new place. I'm currently using a heat gun, but going is slow. Sooooo, I'm fishing for some suggestions on strippers. I'd prefer something that is not too caustic, but I know that I need something STRONG.

Top layer is latex, second is a lead based (I'm sure because of the flake factor) then the original finish on the wood.

So hit me with some suggestions folks!

[Jenn]

I used the heatgun and much prefered it bec much less toxic fumes (can't move wood trim out into the open air much) and seems like accomplish more. YVMV

[Dubai Vol]

I'll add a vote for NOT using chemical strippers. It may be slow, but any method that doesn't put nasty chemicals in your house is worth the time.

[culpeper]

Mix 2 parts cloudy ammonia with 1 part turpentine. Apply to paint, allow to soften, then scrape off.

If paint contains lead, consult a professional.

[CraftyDiva]

6 0f one, 1/2 doz of another. Which is more damaging to your health, toxic fumes from chemical stripper or toxic fumes from melting lead based paint?

[TexasArtist]

I don't think there' called strippers no more. I think the P.C. term is exotic wall coverings

[LiL OHNNL]

Try PEEL-AWAY. little or no fumes and works well. may be expensive. But heat is the worst thing to use on lead paint the fumes are more toxic then the strippers.
John

[pcdreams]

heat gun is going to be much faster (in my experience) and much less headache (both literal and clean up wise) and you won't get a chem burn..

We are almost done remodeling our home and I used chem stripper for the first 2 rooms.. after that I bought a heat gun and haven't looked back..

[Weho Dave]

I am stripping our staircase one step at a time with a heat gun. I can't use chemicals because we have two cats who go up and down the stairs, plus I don't want to remove every step. I know there is lead paint because the house was built in 1886, plus it sets off the smoke alarms. I just keep it well ventilated. My chimney sweeper did his whole house and his kids got a routine lead test at school and they found out they had too much lead. Since we have no kids, I am not too worried about it. Can't afford a professional.

[jessimeredith]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. Looks like I'll be using a stripper (or exotic, lol). I'll be doing most of the work after we get moved in and the boys will be there. I'll have to look for that Peel Away stuff.

[mtman]

unless its fancy woodwork i would take it down and put up new . its faster and maybe cheaper

[Clifford]

Be careful with the heat gun if you believe the under layer to be lead based. The fumes created by the heat may be more harmful that the chemical strippers....

[jessimeredith]

mtman~ It's the original woodwork in the house and is actually in excellent codition....just gotta get the hideous paint off!

Definately going the stripper route!

[vicker]

The best and safest way to use strippers, in your situation, is to use it in a vat. Remove the woodwork, soak it in the vat, remove it to a plastic covered table and remove the paint residue. Do it outside. You can make a vat many ways; several metal drums cut in half and welded together, A watering trough, half a section of pipe, a trench with platic lining.