removing gloss paint from walls

[Salty]

Good evening.
We have bought an apparently multi-aged house ranging from early 1800s to the "modern" 60s extension (1860's not 1960s as the agent thought).
It is partly brick and rubble flint walls and partly brick, with later 4" thick brick and bay windows added.

We have spent a happy time taking off the soaking wet gyproc and are starting to see the lime plaster behind beginning to dry out.
In one room which hasn't been gyproc'd i have removed several layers of vinyl wallpaper, and beneath the next layer which is wood chip there appears to be a gloss paint layer. This gloss paint doesn't seem to want to come off except in small patches where it is on paper and i am keen not to gouge out marks in the lime plaster - is it a chemical stripping task or does anyone have any alternative suggestions?

Thanks so much

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Digging deep into my memory there is a company-- called Strippers google it I am sure they will help you

 

[Feltwell]

Welcome Salty, there's always a delay in the first post appearing so it can get "lost" when it appears down the list - well done to Jocelyn for spotting it!

Googling "Strippers" needs to be done with caution, but try "Strippers of Sudbury" - that will take you to a site with the type of peeling off of layers that you are looking for :wink:

I take it that a steam stripper hasn't touched it? I've found before that gloss emulsion comes off quite well with a steam stripper, it peels away in plasticky sheets. But if it's not emulsion I doubt it'll work. Strippers of Sudbury will be able to sell you some test packs of chemicals to try.

 

[Salty]

Thanks both, I had found Strippers of Suffolk and have a couple of samples on the way. I did explain to my mum what I had been searching for, and she had a good giggle.

I hadn't tried a steamer thingy, but I have one, I will take it over tomorrow. In the interim I have been removing 3" thick concrete and cement 'plaster' from the kitchen wall, to find bitumen covered bricks .

The house is very cold at the moment and condensation is running down the gloss painted walls in the evenings.


Thank you.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

A combination of steamy strippers will work well I am sure!! on a serious note I should have remembered they are based in Sudbury since we go that way frequently, so well done Feltwell for picking up the thread too! Best of luck

 

[Lime]

If you don't want to go down the chemical stripper way, try a heat gun and a Stanley blade scrapper.
Experiment, don't rush or dig into the plaster and be careful of any dust. Don't breath it in, wash it off skin.
It might contain dangerous chemicals such as lead, arsenic or other concoctions used in paint long ago.

 

[skier-hughes]

I did mine with just a stanley blade, no heat gun or blade holder. Ok, it tore my fingers to shreds but it made a great job of removing the paint with little to no damage to the plaster. Took a while, but satisfying.

 

[Salty]

Thank you all so.much. I shall have an attempt over the weekend, i have been scuppered by this flu that's going around, so my work at the house paused while i felt sorry for myself.

I shall try a couple of different options and see which I am happiest with.

S

 

[Zebra]

The house is very cold at the moment and condensation is running down the gloss painted walls in the evenings.

I remember that stage, Salty, when the condensation used to run down the (flamingo pink!) gloss painted walls. Glad to hear that you are on the mend, and soon ready to have a go at tackling it. Unfortunately I am similarly stricken right now, with zebra flu, so send my commiserations.

 

[Salty]

Ooh Zebra flu-not good, mine was just normal Kentish flu, recycled around the family before arriving with me! I hope you are better soon.

I did think i was seeing things when the condensation was running down the wall, but i am learning that anything is possible with an older house.

After the paint, the delightful, multilayered brown vinyl wallpaper will be in my sights, and hopefully the roofers will have completed the roof then and it will be drier indoors!

 

[Zebra]

Ooh, brown vinyl wallpaper! Have you got polystyrene ceiling tiles too?!
Thanks, I am on the mend and hopefully will soon be back on my hooves. Kentish flu and no roof doesn't sound like a great combination at all.

 

[Salty]

Absolutely yes, polystyrene ceiling tiles and wallpaper (although the polystyrene wallpaper was behind 3 layers of the same (green) vinyl wall paper - someone loved vinyl!!

We weren't as brave as you, and have been staying with family while the roof is repaired (it was rather open to the elements in places, the Kent pegs had their wooden pegs still). Luckily it's nearly done and i can crack.on with the inevitable 1001 other things to do.

I am in awe of what you have done, Zebra, hope you are trotting about soon!

 

[Zebra]

Thank you. Do keep us posted on your progress.