If the facade paint no longer shines in its new splendor or damage such as cracks and water deposits have formed, it is time for a fresh coat of paint. In very few cases, the old color can be painted directly, so the wall must first be freed from the old paint.
How exactly facade paint removal works and what options are available is the subject of this article and will be explained below.
When to remove facade paint?
In addition to the visual component, facade paint serves as a protective function for the masonry and ensures that moisture cannot penetrate. Over time, however, weather-related cracks can form in the facade, leading to water retention and thus to bulges in the corresponding areas.
It is also tough in the long term to keep the facade utterly free of dirt and to avoid mold stains. Weathered paint or moldy paint not only looks unsightly but can also become increasingly difficult to remove with prolonged disregard.
It is time to remove the old facade paint repaint the surface in any of these cases.
Tip: To keep the facade and the house well maintained and not lose too much value, the show should be renewed at least every 5 to 10 years.
9 ways to remove old facade paint
There are the most different methods to remove old facade paint. It starts with methods that require pure muscle work, such as using a spatula or hammer and chisel, to modern equipment, such as high-pressure cleaners and sandblasters.
In the following, we will go into the individual possibilities and explain how you can remove the old facade paint in each case.
Possibility 1: Repainting
It is not always necessary to remove the old paint from the wall altogether. If the old paint was applied only a short time ago and the facade is otherwise in excellent condition, the old color can be painted over.
Tip: For this painting, only high-quality paint should be used for the longest possible durability. Also, note that it may take several coats of paint to set in with lighter colors for the desired color.
Option 2: Filler
The use of spatulas or scrapers is particularly suitable for smooth surfaces. Above all, cracks and bulges in the facade can be effectively removed in this way. For this work, use as high-quality and sharp-edged a spatula as possible to effectively remove the paint and bulges and thus save time.
Despite their advantages, such as uncomplicated handling and low costs, scrapers are limited to the entire house wall. The amount of work is too high compared to the other methods. In addition, many houses are plastered smoke, and spatulas are not suitable for this substrate.
Option 3: Hammer and chisel
This rough method of removing the house facade paint is suitable when the water has penetrated deep into the masonry. With the help of a hammer and a chisel, the old paint can be generously removed so that extensive renovation work can follow.
Laypersons should generally not attempt the use of a hammer and chisel unless it is done under professional supervision. A very familiar professional with this work, and this tool is the best place to start.
Option 4: Sanding
Sanding the house’s facade is recommended only in places with protruding parts of paint or unevenness and in no case for the entire wall of the house. The reason for this is that the use of a grinder also attacks the wall plaster and can thus change the facade’s structure.
Option 5: High-pressure cleaner
High-pressure washers are easy to use and highly effective in removing old paint and dirt from the house facade. Since the jet has extreme pressure, high-pressure cleaners should be used outdoors.
Option 6: Sandblaster
Like a high-pressure cleaner, the sandblaster is a device that works with a lot of pressure. However, sandblasters do not use water but abrasives such as corundum and garnet sand. The abrasives affect the surface structure and the surface treatment used afterward.
The same precautions should be taken when using the high-pressure cleaner.
Option 7: Pickling
The alternative to physical methods is stripping. This chemical process makes short paints work but is also extremely dangerous to use. To buy the proper solvent, you must first find out what color is on the facade. Appropriate agents are available both online and in hardware stores.
Caution: The use of paint stripper is hazardous to the environment and health and should only be carried out by experienced persons! We recommend using this method only in extreme emergencies and wearing respiratory protection.
Option 8: Leaching
Leaching also belongs to chemical methods to remove old paint from the facade. Just as with paint stripper, the solvent must be adapted to the type of facade paint. Appropriate products can be purchased online or at hardware stores, depending on your choice.
Caution: The use of solvents is hazardous to the environment and health and should only be carried out by experienced persons! We recommend that this method be used only in extreme emergencies and that respiratory protection be worn.
Option 9: Dry ice
The use of dry ice to clean and remove facade paint is relatively new but very effective. In addition to classically plastered house walls, clinker facades, Eternit facades, and natural stone facades can also be cleaned.
The advantage of dry ice is the non-abrasive effect and thus gentle removal of paint layers, dirt, and contamination from the house facade.
Non-professionals can’t use a dry ice machine. If you consider this method for removing the facade paint, you need to contact an appropriate service.
FAQ
What is the best way to remove old facade paint?
Facade paint is best removed with a high-pressure cleaner. Physical alternatives include using a putty knife or a hammer and chisel. The best chemical methods include stripping and using dry ice. Learn more.
Can you paint over facade paint?
Facade paint can be repainted as long as the facade has recently undergone a thorough cleaning and the show continues to have no cracks or water retention. If the facade paint is ancient, it must be removed first. Learn more.
Can facade paint be removed from clothing?
Facade paint can be removed from clothing with the help of various remedies. The most popular home remedies for dried stains are hair spray, a sugar solution, and oven foam. A mixture of liquid hand soap and dishwashing detergent can be used for fresh colors.
How do you paint the exterior of a house with a sprayer?
By spraying the paint onto the house, you can cover a large area quickly. First, make sure the surface is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Then, place the sprayer at a 45-degree angle and hold it about 12 inches from the surface. Start painting in one direction and then switch to the other direction. Make sure to overlap each coat with the previous one for even coverage.