pdlandgang Posted February 14, 2015 Report Share Posted February 14, 2015 I just scored 10 - 90+ year old pine/fir doors. Most of them are covered with I don't know how much paint in every color of the rainbow. Can anyone recommend a good paint stripper or a process that will work, without destroying the wood and taking forever to do. These all came from a townhouse in Washington DC that is being renovated. I should be getting about 10 more doors soon plus any real 2x4's and any other workable material that they pull out. Thanks for the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted February 14, 2015 Report Share Posted February 14, 2015 We have door stripping services in this country. They come and take the doors, dip them in some harsh chemical (not sure what it is but it is probably caustic soda) rinse them and dry them out and return them. No paint remains (or filler that may have been applied over the years). You probably have similar services in your country. Alternatives are burning the finish off where you also risk burning the wood, an applied chemical stripper you can get from a home centre (Nitromors all purpose paint/varnish stripper is one we use in England) where you risk burning your skin and eyes, or sanding the paint off. Not good on the lungs so wear plenty of protective gear. I know what I would do and it's sending them out to be stripped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 14, 2015 Report Share Posted February 14, 2015 If you do it yourself, a heat gun for the bulk, followed by a chemical stripper. A citrus-based stripper will probably work fine, and save the hassle of harsher chemicals. You are in for some tedious work, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted February 14, 2015 Report Share Posted February 14, 2015 Check for lead paint ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missioninwood Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 Stripping paint down to bare wood for stain grade work is tough business. You said they are Pine/Fir: I say just scuff sand them and apply a fresh coat of paint. miw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nkpaintingvt Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 I'd highly recommend the Speed Heater if you choose to do it yourself. However, considering the volume you have, finding a commercial stripping operation seems like your best bet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 Heat gun and lead paint = lead fumes and a metallic taste in your mouth . Do a little research into this before you expose yourself and any people around you. Makes a commercial stripping company seen much more attractive. Home use chemical strippers may take several applications . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nkpaintingvt Posted February 15, 2015 Report Share Posted February 15, 2015 The Speed Heater works at temps between 200-400 degrees, far below the 1100 degree temperature that vaporizes lead. Regardless, I do all of my Speed Heater work outdoors with a canister mask, as smoke is produced with large paint buildups. I have a large plywood box which I line with 6mil plastic, then I place the work piece in the box. All of the large strips of old paint are easily disposed of once everything is stripped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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