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Old paint can be removed from wood by several methods. For small jobs, a hand scraper and sandpaper can be used. The blade of the scraper should be sharp, and care should be taken not to let a corner of it gouge into the wood. Liquid removersA liquid paint remover is one that will soften the paint or varnish so that it may be scraped and wiped off the surface with moderate ease. Lye can be used as a remover, but it is an extremely strong chemical and may damage the wood surface. Commercial removers for paint and varnish can be purchased at hardware and paint stores, and these are more desirable removers. Brush the liquid over the surface and allow it to remain until the paint begins to soften. The paint can now be removed with the scraper. Where there are a great many coats of paint, apply the remover several times. After the paint has been removed, the surface should be wiped with alcohol to remove all traces of the remover. Do not use a liquid paint and varnish remover in a room where there is an open flame. BlowtorchTo remove all the paint from a large surface, such as the exterior wall of a house, would be a considerable task with a scraper and sandpaper and an expensive one with liquid remover. For removing large quantities of old paint, professional painters use a gasoline blowtorch, together with a broad putty knife. The flame of the torch softens the paint, and it can easily be removed with the scraper while still soft. There are a few simple precautions to be observed when using a blowtorch. It should be pointed down, never up. This is done to keep the flame from the underside of the boards where there might be inflammable material. Do not allow the flame of the torch to become too hot, or it may char the wood. When working on the outside of the house, be sure that there are no birds' nests or other inflammable matter under the eaves. Some communities forbid the use of a blowtorch for this purpose, so it is well to consult the local authorities before beginning work. Likewise, consult your insurance agent to find out whether there is any clause in your home fire insurance policy that forbids work of this nature. If these precautions are observed, and the operator has familiarized himself with the use of the blowtorch, removing paint by this method is both safe and efficient.
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