Before you start a new paint job, you have to take care of your old one. Painting over peeling or loose paint is only going to lead to peeling on the new coat. Of course, you may just want to get rid of all the paint on something, permanently. Either way, there are tools and tricks of the trade to make paint removal pretty easy.
Scraping
Scraping paint is the most common and cost-effective way to remove paint. If the paint is old and loose enough, a little elbow grease, a sharpened paint scraper, and maybe a wire brush can do the job all without any other materials necessary. Try this simplified method before you go out and spend money you don't need to spend.
For woods and smooth masonry, just wash what you are going to scrape with a 3-to-1 ratio of water to bleach and let it dry. Then, scrape in one direction, applying even pressure. If the wood you are working with is very soft, be careful not to damage or gouge it (if this becomes a real concern, try one of the other methods below). Next, sand away any stray particles. Once you are finished, wash the surface again.
Chemical Strippers
Really stubborn paintjobs or pieces with hard-to-reach areas may call for the aid of chemical strippers. These products are all very caustic, but some are serious hazards. Be sure to use gloves, goggles, and long enough clothing to keep them off your skin. Apply the stripper with a paintbrush and follow the directions on the product concerning how long you let it set and work. Once enough time has passed, use your scraper and brush to remove the unwanted paint.
You can use strippers for small, hard-to-reach areas if you'd prefer to use another method for the bulk of the job. Remember to protect nearby surfaces when using these chemicals, and make sure you are in a properly ventilated area.
TIP: Keep the protective wear on as you are scraping, too. The product hasn't disappeared; it has only absorbed into the paint.
Heat Gun
This might look like a hairdryer, but it packs far more of a punch. For old, ceramic surfaces, or broad wooden surfaces, you can use a heat gun to soften or melt the paint before you scrape it off. This is especially useful if you are dealing with multiple layers of paint that you want to get rid of. Here are some things to keep in mind when using a heat gun:
- Move the gun in a circular motion, never staying on one spot for longer than 10 seconds at a time.
- Have a fire extinguisher with you. The gun could set the wood on fire.
- Do not put the gun directly against the paint or wood.
- Read the manufacturer's recommendations for heat levels/distance.
- Keep other objects away from the area you are working in. This is especially true of flammable items.
- Be careful around glass and soldered joints. The heat will weaken them.
As you can see, there are a few ways to get rid of paint. The last two require patience and having your wits about you. Make sure you take any and all safety precautions if you are going to use one of these methods. And remember: if the paint is from before 1970, check to make sure it isn't lead-based before you do anything! Have fun getting your scrape on.