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3 Responses
I have successfully used a blow-torch (rusebud multi-flame torch tip) to remove paint from wood buildings. Keep the torch moving back and forth and have a putty knife or scraper in your other hand. After heating about a 6" square area use the putty knife to scrape off the old paint. Have a water hose and a fire extinguisher nearby. I use a spray bottle filled with water to spray water on each area that I heated and scraped.
I have used and seen people using a blow torch, I do not recommend this method. As Karl had mentioned it is extremely dangerous. It only takes one small ember to drop somewhere unseen and several hours later Poof. I have seen it happen and if the home owner is around they may have a stroke or heart attack seeing you torching their home.
I also Recommend using a heat gun. As Karl mentioned it has more then enough heat to remove the paint whether it be one layer or 50 layers.
The easiest way to use it is to heat a small area use a putty knife to scrape the paint off. You can also spray a bit of water on it which will create a bit of steam and help loosen the paint.
Using a paint remover is probably the quickest way to complete the job. Although I have always been fearful that using these products, tend to seep into the would and when your scraping to start to remove part of the wood along with the paint. So if you do go this route be sure to not gouge the wood. Yes I realize you are a contractor and have done this work for many years, I am simply giving a heads up, not trying to talk down. So you don't make some of the mistakes I had made, years ago when I first started out in the Painting and Construction Trade.
Based on your description of the project which involves removing over 20 layers of paint from 150+ year old exterior porch columns, I would recommend using chemical stripping, specifically Peel Away 1, over a blowtorch for several reasons.
1. Effectiveness: Chemical stripping, such as Peel Away 1, is known for its ability to effectively penetrate multiple layers of paint, including old and stubborn coatings. Use Drummond Paper with this stripper for better effectiveness. This method is usually gentler on the underlying substrate compared to the intense heat of a blowtorch, which can potentially damage the columns if not used carefully.
2. Safety: Using a blowtorch for paint removal can pose safety risks, especially on historic columns where the integrity of the material is crucial. Chemical stripping eliminates the need for open flames and reduces the risk of fire hazards and accidental damage to the columns.
3. Time Efficiency: While both methods require thorough application and removal processes, chemical stripping can be more time-efficient when dealing with multiple layers of paint. Peel Away 1 is designed to work over extended periods, allowing it to effectively penetrate and lift multiple layers of paint without continuous manual effort required in the case of a blowtorch.
4. Cost Consideration: When evaluating cost-effectiveness, chemical stripping may initially appear more costly due to the need for purchasing the stripping agent. However, considering the potential risks and costs associated with using a blowtorch, such as damage repair and safety measures, chemical stripping may ultimately be a more cost-effective and value-added solution for this intricate project.
For the intricate task of removing multiple layers of paint from historic porch columns, I recommend using chemical stripping, specifically Peel Away 1, with Drummond Paper for its effectiveness. This method provides a controlled and thorough approach to paint removal while minimizing risks and preserving the structural integrity of the columns.