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One of the most dreaded activities of the renovation of a house is paint removal. Several methods have proven effective in this case. Especially when working on exteriors. To get your house a fresh look with a new coat of paint, you need to first remove the old one properly. If not, there will beirregularities and bubbles on the wall. Sometimes the new coating will peel off faster because of the old coating being present there. Here are some environmentally friendly paint removal techniques that can be useful for your house renovation.
Pressure Washing
A high pressure water cleaner is employed in removing of paint from the surface. A steam pressure cleaner usually heats up the water to a solid 200 degrees when it is sprayed on the walls and this vaporized water slowly melts the dirt and the old paint from the wall. This is proven to be the best method for paint removal from concrete structures. This method was initially devices for use in complex areas. They are now widely used because of the high efficiency and environment friendliness. It is a better option considering the chemical stripping needed to remove paint from exteriors. This works solely on the high pressure and the vapourized water. They combine to give a highly efficient striping of old paint. The surface also gets sterilized which is an added advantage.
Hand Scraping
If the area is small, hand scraping is the best technique if you want to go green. This is a slow method but when combined with other tools and methods, this can be effective. It is easy to remove already loose paint that is coming off the wall. Do not do over-scraping and change the blade from time to time. Over-scraping can make the wall irregular and the new coat of paint too.
Dustless Blasting
Dustless blasting is the most environment friendly and fast technique of all. This easy paint stripping method is done by spraying water which is mixed with recycled glass. This leaves a perfect finish and ready to paint walls.
Soy Gel
These paint removers are very effective even for really old houses. Soy gel removes even lead-based paints. You can remove paint almost from anywhere in your house like patios, sidewalks and house sidings. This paint removal gel emits very less fumes and is non-toxic. It is hazard free and a better replacement for all the toxic chemical paint stripping methods available in the market. This product is completely organic and can be left unattended and open but does not evaporate or damage like other materials. A regular paint brush is all you need to do apply this on walls.
Infrared Paint Removal
Heat from infrared rays are used to remove paint from wooden walls. This method is much cheaper, safer and neater than any other method. This is also environmentally friendly paint removal method. This is a great alternative considering other mechanical or chemical methods used in the industry. The substrate below the surface of the paint is penetrated with infrared rays and that loosens the grip of the paint from the wall. Chemicals or sanding is not required in this method. Dust is not spread around. The varnish or paint is easily removed in an environmentally friendly way. This heat also creates a porous surface on the wall for a smoother finishing of the new paint and primer. It also lasts longer if the heat is properly applied.
Paint Removers without Methylene Chloride
Most of the chemical paint removing materials contain methylene chloride. This is very unhealthy to be around. This chemical can cause dizziness and fatigue if you are exposed to it. It can also leave you feeling light-headed after prolonged exposure. The use of methylene chloride should be completely stopped because of these serious side effects. It is always better to avoid and take precautions than use it and suffer the after effects later. Paint removal techniques can be thus made free of toxic chemicals and more environmental friendly with these methods.
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