How To Remove The Old Paint From The Wooden Windows

Basic methods of the old paint removal

Basically, the old window paint can be removed using one of the following methods (or their combination):

- the window paint can be removed mechanically;
- using the heat gun;
- chemically.

The chosen method depends on window material used and the coating´s condition.
It is better to dismount the windows before removing the old paint and place them horizontally in stable, supported position.

Mechanical methods of old window paint removal

Grinding, scraping, sand or water blasting... to remove the old paint you can use the steel shave or spatula, straight, sharp piece of glass, wire brush, chisel, mechanical or electric grinding machine... practically anything.

Removing the old paint mechanically, with the spatula and abrasive paper.

The remaining traces of the old paint can be removed with the thick abrasive paper, following the direction of the fibres.

Using the heat gun or burner

If the pint is heated enough, it melts, becomes fluid and can be easily removed with the spatula.
When using the heat gun or burner we must be careful in order not to damage the wood itself.
The surface again can be finished with the abrasive paper.

Chemical removal of the old paint

Leaching is the chemical method of old paint removal. The lye (10 - 30% sodium or potassium lye) is brushed onto the painted surface and approximately after 20 minutes the paint is solved and can be removed in the standard, mechanical way (spatula, shave... as above).

To accelerate the paint dissolution process, the whole surface can be covered with thin plastic foil (one that does not react with the lye).

Also when leaching the old paint, we must be careful. If the window is leached too long, the lye pentrates to the wood and changes its color (wood darkens or even blackens, which can be problem if you want to treat it later with the transparent lacquer only).

To stop the leaching effect after removing the old paint from the wood, the window must be washed with water and soap and the whole surface must be neutralized with some weak acid (take couple of spoons of vinegar, reduce in the same amount of water and you have it, you can also use the lemon sauce).

If you´d like to leach your windows in the vertical position, you can thicken the lye little, e.g. with lime, clay or sawdust.