Remove Paint From Front Steps?
Hi All, Our front steps are looking quite shabby as the many layers of paint that have been added over the years are peeling in the high traffic areas. We’ve tried scraping it off but it’s holding hard to areas with no foot traffic. I’m wondering if it’s possible to sand-blast or power wash the…
Hi All,
Our front steps are looking quite shabby as the many layers of paint that have been added over the years are peeling in the high traffic areas. We’ve tried scraping it off but it’s holding hard to areas with no foot traffic.
I’m wondering if it’s possible to sand-blast or power wash the paint off. Does anyone know of a company who does this kind of work?
Many Thanks!!
I’ve never seen anyone sandblast in Brooklyn and sandblasting is way too harsh for brownstone. Powerwashing will work but only with an extreemely high pressure unit. My whole facade was painted and the guys that did it used a chemical stripper…two coats over a few days and then powerwashed. It worked really well but to do just powerwashing alone may be asking too much. Millad did it.. 718-669-8305
You do not say what the front steps are made of. I would be careful with a sandblaster as that may be too strong for some materials (I have done a fair bit of sandblasting). In the case of brick, sandblasting can wear away the hard outside, exposing the soft inside which will crumble on its own from the elements. I would imagine a sandblaster would be safe on natural, hard stone.
Also, be aware if you sandblast and there is any old, lead paint there, you may have some other issues. I am not going to guess how the code would apply here, but it is something you should read about before going further. Most paint stores have a copy of the city’s code on dry sanding paint of unknown content. They will also have lead test kits which are inexpensive and fast to use.
Steve
http://www.thetinkerswagon.com
Call a tool rental store. You could rent either. I would think the sand blaster would get it all, unless you can get a really high powered power washer. Ask the store and see what they recommend.
I’ve heard that power washing should do the trick. I don’t have a recommendation but have also heard that it’s not too hard to rent a power washer and do it yourself.