Removing paint from a wall requires a lot of patience and can be tiring and expensive. It can take hours, and sometimes even days, to remove paint from a wall. So, if you don’t absolutely need to remove the paint, we recommend using alternatives such as primer paint, paste, or plaster to cover the paint on the wall. However, if you are still determined to remove paint from the wall, this article explains how to do so.
How to Remove Paint from Walls?
Removing paint from a wall is usually considered when switching from a synthetic paint wall to a water-based paint wall. Because synthetic paint prevents airflow in the room, it creates an environment for sweating and mold.
If there is extreme cracking in the paint on the wall, if nearly all of the wall is peeling, you may have to remove all the paint from the walls. If a minor fire happened before, consider removing paint from the wall to eliminate the odor in the space.
Before removing paint from a wall, you need to determine the correct method according to the type of paint and the size of the wall. Now, let’s explain how to remove paint from a wall according to different paint types.
How to Remove Paint From a Wall?
You can use sandpaper, paint remover, and a heat gun to remove water-based paint from the wall. Let’s take a closer look at these methods so you can easily decide how to remove the paint from the wall.
1-Use a Sander
Using sandpaper can cause a lot of dust to accumulate on furniture, especially in occupied rooms. Even if the furniture is covered with a drop cloth to keep dust out, dust may reach the slab. You should still cover all furniture and utensils with a drop cloth and ensure no open surfaces. Tape the edges of the drop cloth paper tape.
If the area that needs sanding is vast, you should rent or purchase a sanding machine suitable for removing paint from a wall.
Remember to put on a mask and glasses. Clean the dust off the wall with a damp cloth, and ensure the wall is ready for primer or paint. “Related article: How to paint a room wall fast?”
2-Paint Remover Works for Small Walls
Another way to remove paint from a wall is to use a paint remover. Paint strippers can be more expensive than using sandpaper. Usually, a gel paint remover is used to remove paint from small walls. You can also opt for an odorless or perfumed paint remover.
How can you remove paint from a wall with paint remover? Apply the paint remover to the wall and wait about half an hour for the paint to sink in. Then, scrape the paint with a metal spatula. If the paint is not fully removed, then repeat the process.
After you have finished removing paint from the wall, you need to clean the wall entirely so that paint remover residues do not damage the new paint, primer, or plaster. Wipe or wash the walls with clean water.
3-Use a Heat Gun
Another method you can use to remove paint from a wall is by using a heat gun. Heat guns produce high heat and allow the paint to crack or soften.
With one hand, soften the paint with a heat gun and scrape the paint with a metal spatula with your other hand. Remember to use a thick work glove.
How Do You Remove Oil Paint from Walls?
Synthetic paints are one of the most durable types of paint and can adhere very firmly to almost any surface. Oil paint is, therefore, difficult to remove from the wall. Significantly to increase the airflow of the wall, synthetic paints are being switched to water-based paints. “Related: How to use enamel paint?”
If you do not altogether remove the oil paint (synthetic paint) from the wall, it will cause the water-based paint to peel off the wall and may block airflow. Therefore, you need a very effective solution to remove oil paint from the wall completely. Hand sanding or paint strippers may not be effective enough to remove thick oil paint completely. Hand sanding only removes the paint from the surface. Therefore, you should use a sanding machine.
However, we must warn you at this point. Synthetic paint is flammable. You should be careful when using a hot gun and not leave it on the surface for a long time. If you do, this can lead to a fire. You can ask your questions about removing paint from the wall in the comments section.
