Stripping paint?

Question

I have a dark bedroom set which I painted a long time ago now I want a white bedroom set and have no clue how to get that stobborn paint of. I would like to paint it white the kind which looks like it's old. Anybody any ideas how to get the paint off without working on it for a month

Answer 1

Well, I had the same problem just this week. I also painted my walls a deep dark red. So my problem was pretty bad. You can buy paint strippers and pastes that sit on there for a while, I have used them and I was never really had luck with them. I even went as far as using a sander, and just sanding off the paint. I worked very well, but was very messy and and took quite a while. It depends on how detailed your furniture is. SO, my best advice that I can give you is what I did. I swear by a product that I'm sure you have heard of,... Killz. It may take a few thick coats of it, but it works. It will cover whatever color you have on there back to a flat white. I like it so much that I finished all my living room furniture in Killz flat white. I have flat Charcoal gray walls with Killz flat white trim. So in summation, the paint stripper pastes and liquids, WILL work, but it wont take it all off and you have to wait for it to dry if you are going to sand it later. Sanding works well, but make sure you wear a mask if you decide to mix using the strippers and the sanding, because it will make a mess. My best advice is to cover it with Killz. They even have several differnt kinds of Killz depending on your need. If you go the Killz route, after the Killz, just make sure you use a good paint. If it's $10.00 a gallon, throw it away. If you are going to take the time to do it, you might as well do it right. Get a good paint, you will be glad with the extra money that you will spen on a GOOD gallon of paint.

Answer 2

The only reason you would need to strip it would be to get it down to the original finish. If you are going to just repaint it there is a product called Liquid Sand that you just wipe on before you paint and it makes the new paint bond to the old.
When you say old looking are you talking about Shabby Chic? To get this look first put on a base coat of a beige or pale blue, or yellow, or rose depending on your color scheme. Be sure you have good coverage. After that is completely dry brush white over it till you get the look you want. You might want to mix a glaze in so the paint stays workable for a while. If you get the white a little heavy wipe use a wet rag (with latex) to wipe it and retry. Experiment on the back till you get the technique you like.
I have done this using a flat color for the base and then a semi gloss for the dry brush.

Answer 3

My brother in law just bought a house built in 1920. He stripped all the paint off the counter tops without the use of any harsh chemicals. You see, there is this wonderful thing called a heat gun. It looks like a hair dryer but it blows super hot air. So hot that the air will literally melt the paint and you can use a 5in1 to scrape the paint off. It takes a while and I would still wear a respirator for fear of paint fumes, but it is well worth not using any paint stripping chemicals. They are nasty!!!! Certainly worth a shot. You can purchase them at any hardware store or possibly rent one from a tool rental store.

Of course, why bother stripping the paint if you are going to paint it again. Just sand, prime and paint as suggested in the above comment.

Answer 4

I agree with guiterzan(?), I'm a custom painting contractor and would suggest cleaning, sanding(just to knock the sheen down),re-clean and follow with a white primer (PPG Seal-Grip Acrylic). Re-sand and clean, then follow with 2 coats of white finish coat with a sheen like semi-gloss or gloss.(Porter Paints Advantage 900) which has a hard resin and sands nice which will help to burn the corners(which brings some of the dark color through) and other areas with sand paper for that aged look. This may seem like a lot of steps, but it beats stripping the item. Note: I have done this on 2 dresses and they came out like new. Also follow with some new hardware like brushed nickel. Good Luck

Answer 5

I think I would just paint over it since you are wanting that "old"effect. I think having some dark under neath, then sanding some of the white off would give it a neat old look. I would also use 2 coats of the white.

Answer 6

Go to your local Lowes, Home Depot, or Hardware Store to their Paint Department -- there are various types of Paint Strippers there -- and DO READ The INSTRUCTIONS on how to apply and what care you need to take (do you need gloves, open spaces, time limits, etc).

It is VERY CRITICAL you read these instructions, and follow them ... especially if you do not want any physical problems with using the paint strippers.

Answer 7

do not USE SANDPAPER on cedar!!! a skinny layer of paint as you descibe is optimum removed from cedar with a warmth gun and a pointy scraper.. Sand paper wil take off more advantageous than only paint and damage the timber. a gentle sanding in very last detailing is okay yet do not assume to get rid of all of it that way. also searching on the bottom of the paint you could also try with a pair kinds of chemical strippers.

Answer 8

Go to Ace Hardware and get a can of "stripper" get a gel so it stays on. Be careful, wear gloves and glasses, don't get it on your skin it's an acid and will burn. It works well and will do the job, used it for years.

Used a scraper for pulling and newspapers, plenty of them. You may have to use a bleach to lighten it after it was dark.

Answer 9

I recommend Zip-Strip. It's thick so it doesn't drip, and it works faster than the others. Use gloves, eye protection and lots of ventilation. Follow the directions. Yes it will be a little messy, lay down tarps for protection (it will dissolve plastic drop cloths), keep things organized. But when your done you'll be proud of your work.

Answer 10

Use a chemical paint stripper...they work really well..just dont get the chemical on your skin...wear gloves...and follow directions. They are available through any hardware store.