Scraping paint is usually done with a wire brush, a paint scraper, or a combination of both tools. This can be a tedious and time-consuming process. If you want, you can limit your efforts to the areas with imperfections and then sand to even out the surface. But for the smoothest finish, it’s best to remove all the old paint before proceeding with your new color. Here are three manual tools that are helpful for paint removal.
Wire Brush
You can use a brush with tines made of metal wire to remove raised, peeling, or blistered paint. Wire brushes are inexpensive and quick to put into action, as opposed to a power sander that requires set-up time. In addition, wire brushes are valuable for cleaning paint scrapers and other tools, such as putty knives and wallboard knives. Though easy to use and cheap, wire brushes are ineffective for anything but the most raised peeling and blistered paint. If the paint is even moderately attached to the surface, the brush will not remove it. Vigorous brushing, too, will cause the paint flakes to fly outside of the work area. Laying down a dropcloth will contain the paint flakes.
Manual Paint Scraper
The manual paint scraper is an old, reliable way of removing paint. It does take some effort to remove paint with a manual scraper, but going slowly with plenty of rest breaks will make for a successful job. There are multiple types of paint scrapers to help you get under those stubborn layers of old paint, including:
3-inch flat heavy-duty scraper: With its handle, this scraper gives you a firm grip as you push into the paint. This tool is flat and is shaped like a large putty knife.2.5-inch two-edge paint scraper: Shaped like a large facial razor, this tool has a thin handle and a wide head. The head sometimes has replaceable scraper blades; shift to a new blade whenever the old one gets dull. This tool is designed to be pulled toward you rather than pushed forward.Multi-use painter’s tool: Known as a 5-in-1 tool, 8-in-1 tool, 14-in-1 tool, and several other permutations, this tool has great utility not just for scraping paint but for many forms of home improvement work. You can use this tool for spreading wood filler, chiseling, opening paint cans, cleaning rollers, and more.Putty knife: While a putty knife is designed for using wood filler or joint compound, its blunt end makes it ideal for scraping paint while reducing the chance of gouging the surface.
Heat Gun
An electric heat gun rated for 1,000 watts or more is a valuable tool for removing paint. While heat guns are slow, they are effective. Some heat guns come with scraper attachments, which makes the paint-removal process even easier. But you also can work with a heat gun and a separate manual scraper.
