Paint Scraping
Removing Loose or Peeling Paint

When old paint goes bad and peels the first preparation step is scraping. Removing the loose paint and old caulking is always one of the first steps before proceeding with any priming or painting.

There are a lot of different tools that can be used and several techniques or issues associated with paint removal. Let's start with the different types of tools.

Paint scrapers are as old as paint itself, so it makes sense that everybody makes one and many have extraordinary claims to boost sales. Paint scrapers are a stiff blade on a handle.

The flat blade style of paint removal tools work very well. These are referred to as "5-ways" or stiff putty knifes. A forward scraping motion is used to scrape away the loose paint.

The multipurpose tools have a sharp pointed tip incorporated into the single edge blade and works very well at removing old caulking or lifting large pieces of think loose paint.

Double edge blade tools have a long handle and are great at removing paint from large flat surfaces. They work with a back and forth motion, but applying pressure to the blade is difficult when working on an extension ladder. Double edge paint scrapers are available in many sizes and blade shapes for removing paint from odd shaped surfaces.

Any sharp bladed tool will work as long as you are comfortable using it. This is just the start of the preparation process. The goal is to locate areas of loose paint and remove as much as possible.

With exteriors I scrape and power sand areas at the same time. The scraping locates the loose areas and sanding finishes the job. For interior surfaces all scraping is done first then the sanding can take place. Peeling areas inside a home usually occurs on windows and associated trim, but can occur anywhere.

When removing loose paint from both interior and exterior surfaces try to work in sections in order to minimize the mess and make clean-up a little easier.

Paint Removal Issues

Removing loose coatings by scraping is one half of the paint removal equation. By itself it is sufficient at producing a surface ready for priming, but will leave behind rough edges that are noticeable when painted. Power sanding can smooth out these unsightly edges producing a better look. Sanding alone cannot find all the loose paint. Combining both methods will result in a better prepared surface.

Whenever you begin removing paint you will be releasing paint chips and dust that can be a hazard for you and your environment. Many older homes, pre 1970’s, can and probably will have lead based paints and finishes applied to both the interior and exterior surfaces.

Protecting yourself involves the use of eyewear, safety glasses, and a good dust mask. Special dust masks designed for lead dust are available. You should also wear protective clothing like painters pants and a long sleeved shirt whenever possible.

The environment might need protecting as well.

Paint chips and dust can settle into vegetable gardens, eventually getting into your food supply. Use plastic or drop cloths to protect these areas. As a precaution harvest as many vegetables as possible before beginning. Plus, try to pickup as many paint chips as possible next to the house and surrounding landscape.

Interior rooms can be sealed with plastic and ventilated with fans. All furniture not removed from the area will have to be covered with plastic. Vacuuming and washing can be done after the final sanding to remove any remaining dust.

Unfortunately it is impossible to prevent all contamination. Scraping alone is easier to deal with when compared to sanding. If the look achieved without sanding doesn’t bother you, go ahead and begin the finishing process.

The bottom line is that scraping off the loose paint combined with sanding will produce the best results. Be aware of the potential hazards before beginning and take the necessary precautions.