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July 3, 2007
Stripping paint from iron bars
I have tried different methods for removing the layers of peeling paint from the iron bars and fence in the front of the house. I want to expose the detail that is hidden under the 100 years of paint. I started with using just a wire brush but that did not work well. Now I am applying paint stripper and using the wire brush. Are there any other methods that I can try to remove the paint, e.g., a pressure washer?
Comments
Use the heavy duty paint stripper the same one used to remove paint off stone leave it on for 24 to 36 hours use a power washer and you will be down to the wroth iron in less than half the time.
Posted by: Anonymous at July 3, 2007 11:23 PM
How do you keep the power washer from spraying the paint all over the stoop, sidewalk and staining it. I guess you have to let the mixture completely dry. Is that right, 11:23? Tks.
Posted by: anon at July 4, 2007 8:26 AM
just get a grinder with a wire wheel - not the brush but a wire wheel - comes right off - just grind away - and this will also remove most of the rust! - paint with primer for rust and top coat - I just fininshed mine
Posted by: W at July 4, 2007 8:56 AM
I second the wire wheel, but wear safety goggles and gloves!
Posted by: Anonymous at July 4, 2007 8:59 AM
A wire wheel is called a 'cup brush' - they come in varying degrees of stiffness and I'd recommend trying the stiffest and working your way down the scale. Also, you'll need a corded electric drill; you'll blow through the charge on a cordless in no time.
Good luck; this kind of work is so tedious and time consuming it's easy to lose hope halfway through...keep your eye on the prize. It'll look great when you're through.
Posted by: houseowax at July 4, 2007 9:24 AM
not a cup brush a wire wheel brush - I have tried the cup brush in a drill and it will not be much help - you need a grinder and a wire wheel see link for example - but this is not for a drill must be a grinder - it will come off in seconds!
http://www.drillspot.com/products/85169/WEILER_17687_Knot-Wire-Wheel-Brush?s=1
Posted by: w at July 4, 2007 10:37 AM
Please use a mask. That lead paint can do a number on your body.
Posted by: Anonymous at July 4, 2007 11:43 AM
I have used the wire wheel on the grinder and it works great. However, I have seen the professionals using a torch. I tried this too. If you get a small tank of MAPP Gas and torch it off, that works too.
Posted by: Anonymous at July 5, 2007 10:19 AM
You might want to use a welder's hammer (HD)to knock off built up paint and rust. Even a tack hammer would do around tight spots. I used these to clean off an iron gate with a century of paint. Be patient too. It's a labor intensive and annoying job.
Posted by: tom at July 5, 2007 12:25 PM
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