Using a paint stripper can be tricky.
It may be the final home improvement project of your year. While the weather is good, get out and paint that front door! The tricky part for any paint project is the prep.
Pat Stika shares how to get a smooth finish using a paint stripper if you have layers of old paint.
Follow Pat’s do-it-yourself projects and contest entries on Instagram @handygrammy.
Pat’s recommendations and opinions on using paint stripper for this project:
- Stripping is involved and challenging. To strip the detail work takes many hours. But, removing layers of paint will give you the best shot at that desirable, very smooth finish.
- Wear gloves, with eye gear recommended. Most brands of paint stripper are toxic. Use in a well-ventilated area.
- You can put plastic wrap over the stripper to accelerate the process.
- You will need to neutralize the stripper after you’re done, with a quick wipe of water. Then let dry and do a final sand.
- Sand in stages with progressively finer grits. I used 80 grit, then 120 grit sandpaper, for this exterior door. If it were interior, I would have gone up to 220 grit.
- I used a brush to apply my new color, it worked well. Some may choose to use a sprayer if they have one.
- I used exterior semigloss paint.
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