Removing old baked paint

Construction
1

I got a call to remove paint on a storefront. I’ve done several kinds of paint removal before but this was different. It was in very thick layers and seems to have been there a long time. Using my scraper took a lot of effort for just the corner of one letter.

Is there an easier way than scraping it?

2

I’d suggest some Oil-Flo w/ a dwell time of 3-5 minutes then scrub with a white pad. Use a scraper for any tough left over paint.

3

Justin,

I had a job exactly like this last year. The job happened to be next door to a paint supply store. I talked to the guys there and they even walked next door to take a look at the job.

They gave me a can of “Certified Aircraft, Marine and Automotive paint remover”. It contains Methylene Chloride and Methanol.

I dabbed the chemical on a rag and spread it on the paint. The paint bubbled and I was able to scrape the paint off with very little effort.

Just make sure that you scrape the paint off when the chemical is still wet! If you let it dry the paint will actually get harder! I had to learn this the hard way…so to speak.

4

Thanks you guys. I appreciate both ideas very much. Although Brett’s seems like it would be the fastest and easiest.

Brett - Can I find this stuff at most paint stores? Also did you wear gloves and eye protection? Anything else I should know prior?

5

Justin,

I did wear glasses and gloves. You should be able to to get this at ANY paint supply store. But not Holmes Depot. One other thing I forgot to mention… while you are at the paint store, get some blue masking tape and tape off the frame at the bottom so you dont take off any of the paint on the frame. Then remove it when you are done and wash the window as you normally would.

Good luck my friend!

6

Thanks Mang, I’ll stay away from holmes Depot :slight_smile:

7

They gave me a can of “Certified Aircraft, Marine and Automotive paint remover”. It contains Methylene Chloride and Methanol.

I would use a respirator if I was going to use this stuff. I got a respirator a couple of years back and I use it for anything that gives of bad fumes. It was well worth the money.

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8

I agree, a must have with most paint solvents that work well, they are bad news on your health without the personal safety devices in use.