I read a little tip about using nylon scrubbies and denatured alcohol to remove the last of the paint after you have tried the heat gun, chemical stripper (the citrus variety), the razor blades, and dental picks.
It didn't seem to work. Anyone have a better solution?
10 comments:
When I read the title of this post I was gonna ask Who is Scrubbies... and does she got a sister????
Not sure exactly what you mean by scrubbies, but we've had decent success with green 3M pads. Normally, though, I just use medium or coarse steel wool.
Another trick is to swab the denatured alcohol over a small area of the door (or whatever) and let it get to work while you focus on another part. Seems obvious, but I always have to remind myself to do it.
Good luck.
As you have the luck to work on a flat surface, I would try that orange stripper stuff again. I am not sure if this is the same what you wrote as citrusy stuff. I found that I am way to unpatient with stripping. So give it time or until the next day and work on something else meanwhile.
The denatured alcohol only works if the first coat is shellac. You need to used a paint stripper on that. If it's water based, you'll have to sand, because the grain will be raised(might have to sand anyways). The small brass brushes work well in the corners, they clog quickly though.
More citristrip! Leave it on for a WHILE (like overnight, maybe with plastic wrap on top). Then picks & scribbies again! I also have a very old, very dull chisel that is the perfect shape for those little places on the door moulding.
I agree with others that said use more stripper and then use the scrubbies or steel wool. I usually end up sanding a bit too to get the last of the residue and smooth things out.
If you are using one of the "green" strippers...they leave some paint in the grain. I find a final swipe with one of the heavy duty strippers takes that away fast. Denatured alcohol=shellac.
One word - sandpaper, it's going to take some more time, but now you just have to get in there with the medium and fine sandpaper. It's a little more difficult, but it's all that is left. That finish has been on there a long time it's not easy to get it off.
After stripping miles of woodwork, my suggestion is dump the orange stripper, and find some Zip Strip. We have found it the best stripper out there. Brass brushes, tons of cheap paper towels, and a dull putty knife. There is no easy way to strip wood. It is a long time consuming process. Good Luck, remember it will look fantastic when your done!
joanne
I favor the Western Wood Doctor Refinisher laid on with #0 or #1 steel wool and wiped off with a soft rag. It'll take that residue off and won't raise your grain. No rinsing required, either. It's what I've used on my whole stack of stripped trim (after the heat gun).
http://www.westernwooddoctor.com/refinisher.htm
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