How can I strip an edwardian plaster arch?

Question

I have just bought an edwardian property with what looks to be a plaster archway in the hall. Much of the detail has been lost due to successive re-painting. what is the best way to restore this feature?

Answer 1

This probably isn't recommended, but I did this with a hot air paint stripper and a blunt scraper. It worked really well and although the plaster got hot it didn't crack.
It had endless layers of oile based paint, all that just peeled off in sheets but you have to be careful not to score or scrape the plaster.
Once the sheets of paint are off, you're left with a crispy layer of rubbish on the plaster which you carefully sand off when its cold.

Answer 2

Look to see just what sort of paint has been used. Before the advent of emulsion and oil-based ceiling paints, stuff called distemper was used. This will rub off onto your hands, and flakes very easily. Is there ornamentation on this arch, like plaster moulding?? If oil-based paint has not been used, then youve cracked it!!! Stiff paintbrush, pot of warm water with a good squirt of Fairy Liquid (its better than the others at this) Work the soapy water well into the plaster, about a square foot at a time, then give it 10 minutes to soak in, and wet it again. Taking an artists pallette knife (not the kitchen one, its too inflexible and coarse), and scrape gently at the softened paint. If gloss has been used, or silk emulsion, scratch the paint down to the next layer carefully, and soak until you can get the paint off, then proceed normally.You may have to repeat this several times, but patience is its own reward. When cleaning any fancywork or plaster moulding, the same method applies, but greater care must be taken; perhaps a clean, stiff brush (stippling brushes are fine for this_) as you dont want to chip off any of the pretty bits! 50 Years ago I watched my father set about 18" deep plaster coving which had been reduced to a lumpy mess by paint after paint; he discovered a wonderful frieze of grapes and ivy leaves, and a matching cornice round the light fitting; I cant remember how long it took him, certainly ages, but the room was wonderful when he has done it. (He then picked it out delicately with size and gold leaf....where are all the craftsmen gone??) Good luck, and thanks for having the brain not to just knock your arch out like so many people do- no respect for beauty!!!

Answer 3

You should investigate an alkali stipper called Peel Away. It comes in several types for different paints and materials. The stipper is a heavy paste you smear on the surface, then cover with sheet of membrane. You let it sit as described in the directions, then peel away the membrane and (most) of the stripper. If the plaster is as heavily coated with paint as I suspect, you might need more than one application. I've never used it on plaster, but I have used it on masonry with good results. If there's a lot of detail, you'll still need to do some pretty picky work to get the paint out of the detail. It sounds like it might be worth it, though.

You should be able to find Peel Away at stores like Sherwin Williams and Miller Bros., if you have those in your area.

Be careful. The stuff can burn you, so READ AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.

Good luck.