Stripping Paint from Wood

Manually stripping paint with a scraper is an intense, time-consuming project. It is such a laborious task that most individuals prefer to avoid doing it more than once. 

However, the process does not have to be such an ordeal if a pressure washer is used. Allowing high pressure to perform the difficult work can save the operator from hours of tedious manual scraping. 

Determine How Much Pressure Is Needed 

Based on professional experience, a pressure washer with at least 3,000 PSI is recommended. Significant pressure is required to break the chemical bond between the surface and the paint. This method should never be used on hardboard siding, as it is more susceptible to moisture and can be easily damaged by high pressure. 

Prepare and Be Safe 

Before the process begins, doors and windows must be prepared to prevent water from entering the home. If paint is being stripped from a porch next to an entryway, the door jamb should be covered to prevent water from being propelled indoors. 

Wear safety glasses 

Safety glasses are essential when stripping paint with a pressure washer, as the high-pressure spray at such close proximity can propel paint chips into the eyes. Steel-toed boots are also recommended, but at the very least, closed-toe shoes should be worn. Since highly pressurized water is applied very close to the feet in some cases, protection for the feet and toes is mandatory. 

The pressure used to strip paint is sufficient to break through skin and flesh. It is vital to take precautions against any accidents that could occur. 

Move With the Grain 

When ready to begin, it is important to keep the pressure washer in continuous motion in the same direction as the wood grain. The operator should move parallel to the lines in the wood, traveling from one end of a board to the other rather than across the width of the board. Moving with the grain helps prevent damage to the integrity of the wood. 

The nozzle should always be kept at a slight angle to the surface, so the water can more effectively get under the paint without gouging the wood. While some paint may remain after pressure washing, the vast majority should be removed. 

The primary goal is to remove all loose paint to ensure it does not peel off the new layer applied afterward.