John Watkins from Nashville Home Inspection has issues this home tip of the month pertaining to removing exterior paint.

He states that removing outdoor paint can be done a few ways. Sometimes you’ll need to remove all of the old paint, but sometimes you just need to remove enough to allow a new coat of paint to adhere without the risk of chipping.

Lead-based Paint

If the paint is old and contains lead, it is advised to consult a qualified contractor in lead based paint removal. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), harmful exposure to lead can be created when lead-based paint is improperly removed from surfaces by dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning. Tracking contaminated soil inside the house can lead to high concentrations of airborne lead particles in your home. You’ll also want to consult with the local health department (Tennessee Department of Health) as an updated source of federal, state and local laws pertaining to lead-based paint.

Non-lead-based Paint

If the old paint does not contain lead, here are three methods of removal depending on the type of surface:

Wood

To refinish a wooden deck or fence, for example, use a power sander to remove old paint. It will remove the top layer, but you should be careful not to overdo it. It is recommended that you wear a professional, multi-purpose respirator mask with compact filters.

Concrete or Brick

Because concrete and brick are porous getting paint out of the cracks will be no easy task. A steam pressure washer might prove the most effective way to get into those tiny spots.  The steam will essentially melt the paint and washed away with the pressure washer.

Metal

Preserving the original look and quality of metal while removing paint is a challenge. If you can stand scratches on the surface, a sand blaster will be effective. If you want to prevent scratches on the surface, a chemical paint stripper is ideal. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions on proper handling and use.

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