Should I use a paint stripper or a heatgun?

[Dave-1]

Morning All

I have a question regarding Paint stripper or heatgun use. We have been discussing at work which is a better way to remove paint (from my door) and everyone seems to be pushing for a heatgun use. They think I am crazy using paint stripper. Can anyone tell me the what the circumstances are for use of either products?

I have used a heatgun to remove paint from a door frame before and yes it works but I didnt like how it left the timber sometimes.

Paint stripper works but I have generally needed a few coats to remove layers of paint.

As I will be buying some paint stripper to continue with the job tomorow I was just wondering about the answers.

Yeah there are around 4ish layers of paint on the door, plus the timber relief (That I dont want to take off) This is only one coat of paint stripper so far and it is going resonably easy. 

Dave

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Dave-1,

It really depends on the number of paint layers, how intricate the surface is, and how well the paint softens from heat. In some cases, the heat gun will cause the paint to bubble, and it's super simple to scrape off, and other times, the heat will have little effect. If the heat gun can penetrate the multiple layers and release the paint easily, that's the way to go. However, if the paint is stubborn and you have intricate surfaces, doing multiple applications of paint stripper is usually the most efficient method. I'm not a huge fan of paint stripper as it can leave a bit of a mess, and I only use it when I have to.

As you mentioned, the heat gun method can affect the timber and sometimes scorch it. I'm a glutton for punishment, so I tend to go the sanding method, avoiding heat guns and paint strippers altogether. However, I'll admit that I've very rarely used a heat gun to remove paint.

If you apply the paint stripper and then cover the door with a plastic drop sheet, it helps contain the fumes and stops the stripper from drying out so quickly. This helps it penetrate further and work more efficiently.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Dave-1]

Thank you @MitchellMc 

Yeah The trim I have done around the door frame with paint stripper and it worked a treat (2 to 3 coats of paint stripper ) and then sanding was negligable. Almost tempted to try with paint stripper on the corner and compare lol 

Might give that drop sheet idea a go tho would the paint stripper work its way through that plastic? I had a rubber mat under the door to protect the floorboards and it even chewed that. I did what you can see of the door so far in three sections as it warns to not let it dry out as it will reharden. And it does if I take too long scrapping it off.

Thanks for the information, Looks like I will continue with the paint stripper. A question tho, I water the door after each day of stripping it to neautralize any left over paint stripper. Should I prep the door with anything before I paint it again?

Dave

[MitchellMc]

I recently used a plastic drop sheet and paint stripper, and it didn't eat through it @Dave-1. However, there are different strength strippers, so it might be worth testing before wrapping the whole door and it potentially melting the drop sheet onto it. 

You can give the door a wipe-down with methylated spirits instead of water. Water can cause the wood grain to swell. Ideally, once you're done with the stripping, the door should be lightly sanded to remove any traces of the stripper before painting.

Mitchell

[Dave-1]

@MitchellMc 

Thanks for the methylated tip and I hadnt thought of the water swelling the timber! Will give it a go

Dave