We have 2 layers of paint that need to be removed from a cedar English board on board fence so we can repaint?

Question

We'd like to remove latex paint from a cedar English board on board fence and then repaint it.. Our fence is 1000 yards long and we have lots of paint peeling from it. Suggestions would be appreciated. How soon before we can repaint it? Thanks

Answer 1

If the existing paint is peeling, it is likely that something is wrong with the original paint job. If you remove what is loose now and paint over the rest, the original paint that is left will at some point peel and take your new paint with it. It is best to get rid of what is there and start over.

Quickest and easiest way would be to use a corn cob blaster. Like a sandblaster, but uses ground corn cobs instead. It does much less damage than a sandblaster or a pressure washer. The down side to this is that it will do some damage to the wood. If you want to try this, check with a tool rental company.

Scraping is an option, but it will be very difficult to remove all of the paint, and the goal should be to remove it all. Very time consuming.

Chemical strippers would make the job go easier, but for that much fence (or even considerably less) you would need a lot of stripper.

Sanding is also an option. Time consuming, you will use several belts and make a lot of dust. If there is lead in the paint, there will be lead in the dust. Still hard to get all of the paint.

Another option is a tool called the Silent Paint Remover. http://www.silentpaintremover.com/ This is a heater that will allow you to remove paint with a scraper easily. I have two in use restoring historic houses. It is still time consuming, but not nearly as hard as scraping without heating. I think it is easier than sanding. Certainly less mess.

Answer 2

That sure would be a lot of scraping. I'd get a hand sander and just sand down the peeling/cracking paint. Then just paint right over it with another color.

Answer 3

I can't believe anyone has a fence 1000 yards long. Thats 3000 feet, over a half mile. Would you like to reconsider that measurement?

Answer 4

I would only scrape the loose material and spot prime with an alkyd primer. I would then top coat with an acrylic paint of whatever color you choose. You can scrape, prime, and paint all in one day, just make sure to follow manufacturers instructions. how many neighbors do you have, good luck.