Removing water-based paint: effective methods and means

A beautiful ceiling not only decorates the room, but also visually enhances it. It is not at all necessary to completely change the entire design, you can simply update the old structure with paints and varnishes. Today, such funds can be easily purchased in almost every hardware store. Before painting the ceiling, the old layer must be removed to the plaster in order to ensure a better fixation of the material to the surface.

Removal of emulsion paint always entails the formation of a large amount of dust and dirt. Often, the removal of its layers takes a long time and is rather laborious, since the characteristics of a particular composition are not taken into account in advance. That is why you must first assess the features of the product applied to the ceiling.

There are two types of water-based paint:

• Waterproof. This group includes most of the materials that, after complete drying, become resistant to moisture. The use of such products is appropriate in rooms with high levels of humidity and on the outer walls of various buildings.
• Non-waterproof. These products are not resistant to the effects of moisture, therefore they are used for dry interiors.

Water-based paint based on PVA is not resistant to moisture. To remove its layer, you only need a sponge with soapy water.

To clean acrylic paint that is resistant to water and soap, mechanical means must be used - a spatula or angle disc of a sander. Another great paint remover is to pre-cover the surface with newspapers. To prepare the glue, boil starch with sour cream, you can also purchase regular wallpaper glue. After the glue dries, it will be much easier to remove newspapers with paint.

Often, the product is removed with a chisel. This process will take a lot of energy from you, but the result will please you, the paint layer is removed efficiently and silently.

A construction hair dryer for removing varnish is also often used. This tool heats up the old coated area as quickly as possible. Additionally, you can use a spatula. This method is used to remove acrylic water-based paint. And chemical-based products, applied to the surface with a roller, are absorbed into the substance and destroy it, being another effective method of removing old coatings.

Before removing the old coating from the surface, you must carefully prepare for this work. It is imperative to take out of the room absolutely all things that can be damaged or heavily contaminated during repairs. If anything remains in the room, cover the item with plastic wrap. If you do not plan to change the floor, cover it with plastic as well.

Prepare the necessary tools in advance, depending on the method of removing the water-based paint. To maintain personal safety, be sure to apply:

• respirator;
• construction points;
• cap or panama;
• gloves.

There are several good methods that can be used to remove water-based paint:

• Mechanical cleaning - the roller should be moistened with water and passed over the surface. After 15 minutes, remove the old coating with a spatula. In areas where it won't wash off, use a metal bristle brush.
• You can remove the varnish with soapy water, which must be applied to the surface with a brush and left for a few minutes. Then wipe off the solution thoroughly, making sure there are no streaks. If there are streaks, wash them off with warm running water.
• It is not difficult to wipe off old dried stains on your own. Soften the paint with warm water. If the stain is large, place a wet rag on it. After half an hour, wash off the stain with a brush.

• You can clean emulsion paint using special products. The modern market offers a large selection of substances that allow you to remove more than one layer of paint in a few minutes.
• You can clean the surface from the old water-based paint with a grinder. Take a drill with a round brush attachment with iron bristles. This cleaning method is used for wooden floors and walls. But with a grinder you can also wash paint off concrete.
• It is also possible to wash clothes from contamination with paints and varnishes. To do this, you need to soak things in warm water with washing powder. For even better results, pour dish soap over the stains and let sit for an hour. Then rub your clothes well.

Water-based paint can remain on absolutely any surface. But it is quite possible to wash it off both from clothes and from the ceiling, floor and walls:

• To clean the floor covered with parquet from dirt, you need to use special products. Methyl alcohol will cope well with this task, you can also use acetone or vinegar. Apply the product to a damp cloth, wipe the area of ​​contamination with it. Then wipe off with warm water and let the parquet dry.
• Linoleum is a flooring commonly found in modern homes and apartments. It is necessary to wash such a floor with warm water and neutral cleaners. If traces of paint, felt-tip pen or iodine are found on the floor, then kerosene, gasoline or turpentine will come to the rescue. All these funds have a negative effect on linoleum, so they should be used in minimal quantities and only when absolutely necessary.
• It is easiest to remove water-based paint from tiles. A sponge and chemicals will be enough for you, since the tile is resistant to chemicals, and thanks to its glossy surface, paint does not penetrate inside. It will not be difficult to wash off the paint and varnish material from the tile.
• You can wipe off emulsion paint from the door with a spatula. Moisten the surface with warm water and let it soak. Then remove the old paint with a spatula.

Removal of paints and varnishes from surfaces from various raw materials is carried out in different ways. So, for example, when working with plastic, you must be as careful as possible, since the mechanical method can harm the surface. It is effective to use water glass or silicone sealant, which, when dried, destroy the paint, and it simply comes off the surface. Silicone hardens throughout the day.

Often, when painting a window frame, paint gets on the glass. It's good if you notice the stain right away, because fresh dirt is much easier to remove.... If you don't notice the contamination right away, you will have to use a sharp knife. Dampen the glass with hot water and gently wash off the dried paint.

You can also resort to the thermal method using a building hair dryer. Aim a warm stream at the glass at an angle and hold until bubbles form.The paint can then be removed from the glass with a metal spatula.

It is also possible to remove emulsion paint from wallpaper. If the paint is still fresh, you can wipe it off with a cotton pad and makeup remover. If the substance is already dry, then you can knock on it and gently scrape it off with an iron tool. Wipe off any remaining paint with acrylic nail polish remover.

To make the removal of paints and varnishes even faster and better, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• Varnishes from some surfaces can be washed off with soapy water. In such situations, water must be applied to small areas, otherwise the surface will dry out quickly and the procedure will have to be repeated again.
• If paint gets on the surface, wash it off immediately before it dries. Dry paint marks are more difficult to deal with.
• If the agent gets on your clothes, wash it off with water as soon as possible or blot it with a napkin.

Regardless of which method you choose to remove paints and varnishes, after finishing work, take sandpaper or a drill and once again clean the areas where the paint remains. After that, take a sponge with warm water and rinse the surface to be cleaned after the water emulsion. Please note that you will only be able to rework the surface after it is dry.

Experts recommend doing all repair work in warm weather. In the rooms, the temperature should not be less than 18 degrees. When finishing, take care that there are no drafts, otherwise the paint will dry unevenly.

Always protect your eyes during cleaning and repairs, especially when working with a ceiling. It is best to wear industrial glasses. But don't go for the cheapest ones - they have poor visibility.

Removing water-based paint from the surface is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. The main thing is to choose the right removal method.

For information on how to remove old water-based paint from a surface, see the next video.