Removing old paint made easy

Entlackungsmittel Allrounder

Removing old paint made easy – the best methods compared

Whether it's furniture, metal parts, or walls – sooner or later, old paint has to come off. We compare mechanical, thermal, and chemical methods and show when using a modern paint stripper is the best choice.

Paint stripper used on painted wood – Before and after
Paint strippers dissolve even multiple layers of paint – ideal for large areas and fine details.

1) Mechanical removal – grinding & scraping

  • Advantages: Simple tools, low material costs.
  • Disadvantages: Time-consuming and labor-intensive, dust generation, risk of surface damage.

Suitable for: small areas, edge processing, spot rework.

2) Thermal removal – hot air gun or flame weeder

  • Advantages: Thick layers of paint can be dissolved quickly.
  • Disadvantages: Risk of burn marks/deformation, harmful fumes, not suitable for sensitive surfaces.

Suitable for: robust materials such as metal and solid wood elements.

3) Chemical removal – with paint strippers

  • Advantages: Highly effective for multiple layers, saves time and effort, protects the base material, reaches hard-to-access areas.
  • Disadvantages: Protective measures are required; quality, safety, and environmental compatibility depend on the product.
Pro tip: Focus on low-solvent, VOC-reduced and if possible biodegradable Paint stripper. Check the safety data sheet (SDS) and material compatibility.

Tabular quick comparison

method tempo cleanliness Material protection Ideal for
Mechanically Medium Low (dust) Medium Small areas, rework
Thermal High Medium Low-Medium Thick layers, robust substrates
Chemical (paint stripper) High High High Large areas, multiple layers, details

How to use paint stripper correctly

  1. Check the substrate, perform the test in an inconspicuous area.
  2. Wear protective equipment and ventilate well.
  3. Apply paint stripper liberally and evenly; adhere to the contact time specified in the product instructions.
  4. Remove loosened paint layers with a spatula; repeat the process if necessary.
  5. Neutralize/clean the surface and allow it to dry; then apply a coating according to the system structure.

Conclusion

The appropriate method depends on the substrate and the size of the area. For many applications, modern paint strippers the most efficient and material-friendly solution – especially for multiple layers and complex geometries.


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