Remove varnish: With these four techniques you can free all surfaces

If you want to spice up an old piece of furniture, you usually have to remove the paint first.

But what are the options?

We explain four variants to you.

Which method you use to make a piece of furniture beautiful again or even completely redesign it depends on the material.

Whether metal, plastic or wood: Each material requires a different variant to remove paint.

When handling paint, make sure that you take appropriate safety precautions.

Above all, this means appropriate respiratory protection.

But why should you remove the old paint first?

Very easily.

So that the new layer lasts better.

But also because the old layer can wear away under the new one.

If you decide to remove the paint, keep in mind that not all paint is created equal.

Furniture, for example, is a water-based acrylic varnish.

Of course, there are also other types of varnish.

We introduce you to four mechanical methods of removing paint.

Remove paint - method 1: sanding

The best way to sand down the paint is a sander.

The advantage of this method is that the paint can be removed evenly.

Of course, you can also use sandpaper.

However, depending on what you want to sand down, this can be correspondingly more time-consuming.

Since a

lot of dust

develops

during this type of paint removal

, it is advisable to wear a respirator.

Myhomebook also

gives the tip to grind at a medium speed.

Otherwise the sandpaper will have to be changed more often.

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.

Remove paint - method 2: scrape off

Whether you use a scraper or a spatula depends on the surface to be treated.

Metal, plastic, wood can ideally be worked on with a spatula.

However, you should proceed with caution as scratches are inevitable.

Alternatively, there are also electric scrapers.

The advantage is that less force then has to be applied.

The following applies to both devices:

Apply pressure over the surface

so that the paint is scraped off.

Finally, you can remove the leftovers with a sponge.

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.

Remove paint - method 3: stripping

With the

paint

stripper it is possible to

chemically soften

the

paint

.

This product should therefore be used with caution.

Since the remedy is available for different areas, you should definitely read the product instructions beforehand.

It also explains how to use the paint stripper.

Also note that after the paintwork has softened, it must be scraped off.

Due to the potential for toxic fumes, it is recommended to use this method in the fresh air.

A respirator is also essential.

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Remove paint - Method 4: With the help of hot air

The heat gun makes it possible.

At a temperature of around 700 degrees, the paint becomes soft.

The heat also creates bubbles that can then be scraped off.

It should be noted, however, that this variant does not work with all materials.

In the case of wood, for example, this should be avoided.

When using the heat gun, the

possible fire hazard should

always be kept in mind.

This variant also releases pollutants.

Therefore, it is better to do it in the fresh air and with proper protection.

In addition to a respirator, protective goggles and gloves must also be worn.

(swa)

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