Removing Paint from Window Frames

Painting can change the character and appearance of your house. Removing paint, however, is not as fun as it is to apply. There are many ways to remove paint from the old method of sanding and scraping, heat guns and chemical solvents. Chemical solvents are, oddly enough, the safest way to remove paint from wood. Heat guns carry risks of fire, and if used with lead paint are dangerous to health. There are several chemical solvents to choose: the environmentally safe solvents take longer to take effect and need more applications; which are based solvents are flammable and volatile, but work quickly, based solvents methylene chloride or DCM remove latex paints, acrylic and oil-based, however, various applications are required to remove all paint and some are flammable. You can find chemical solvents in gel, liquid or paste form.

Instructions

Removing paint window frames

  1. Use dry paper towels or a lint free cloth to remove flakes of fresh paint window frames. Clean the paint with a single pass. Do not rub as it may cause staining.
  2. Use protective clothing, chemical resistant gloves, goggles and a mask before attempting to remove old paint from window frames. Open all doors and windows for ventilation.
  3. Place rags or newspapers on the floor below the area where you go to work.
  4. Work from the top down, apply chemical solvents with an old paint brush according to package instructions. Follow all safety instructions and read the warnings before opening the solvent.
  5. Use a flat blade scraper to remove paint from window frames, again working from the top down. For small cracks and areas use steel wool.
  6. Reapply the chemical solvent in areas with traces of paint and use the scraper to remove the paint.

Tips & Warnings

  • If you are concerned about lead paint, you can buy products tested for lead in most home stores.
  • For small rooms with only one or two windows, put a fan in the doorway, pointing away from the area where you’re working to help circulate the air.
  • Take frequent breaks while applying the chemical solvent, go outside or to another room.
  • Always wear protective clothing, goggles, gloves and masks when working with chemical solvents.
  • Heat guns cannot be used to remove lead-based paints. As the paint is heated and vaporized, lead can be inhaled.
  • Always follow the safety instructions, storage and use of chemical solvents.
  • Never use chemical solvents or heat guns if you are pregnant.
  • Keep children away from areas where chemical solvents are used.
  • If possible electricity off in rooms where flammable chemical solvents are used.