Paint Removal

barshfield | Posted in General Discussion on June 2, 2020 01:03am

I have some old growth fir that has been covered with 100 years’ worth of paint layers. These are pieces from an old exterior door. I’m considering how to best remove the paint to repurpose the wood. I can either 1) strip the paint using a chemical stripper, 2) sand it off, 3) saw it off through my table saw (“sideways” against the fence), or 4) run it through my thickness planer. Given the age of the material, number two is out because of concerns over dust from lead paint. Number three – same concerns, plus material control challenges using a table saw to “scrape” the wood. I have never liked method number one, so I’m considering method number four despite the lead paint concern (I know … a bit hypocritical). Any thoughts on that or other ideas?

Replies

john_c2 | Jun 02, 2020 04:01am | #1
If it were me, I wouldn't bother. Not for fir. A lot of that wood is in mortise and tenon joints and lockset, so there won't be a lot useable area. If you run it through the planer, you are still putting lead dust in the air, and you'll dull your plane blades pretty quick. I'd bet money on running into metal somewhere in a door that old. If you use chemical strippers you'll still end up sanding.

Can you tell us what kind of project you'll be using this for?
_mj_ | Jun 02, 2020 07:27am | #2
Rip off the edges at the tablesaw going deep enough that you are taking wood and not just vaporizing paint, then move to the bandsaw and do the same for the flats.

John_C2's point about metal has merit, the fir is not worth a sawblade. I use a strong magnet on a string to find iron/steel in reclaimed wood, moving it slowly just above the surface.

KJmagnetics.com item #BX088DCS
barshfield | Jun 02, 2020 10:31pm | #3
I’ve removed the hardware and scanned the pieces with a metal detector ... all clean.
I’m planning some smallish side table / cabinetry project. I just hate to see good wood go unused.
A correction to my earlier post ... I have several doors’ worth of wood, not just one.
rob_ss | Jun 03, 2020 03:26am | #4
The best way to remove the paint is in large pieces.
https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/guidelines-management-lead-based-paint gives some sensible guidance.
TL:DR; scrape it off onto a disposable cloth, preferably outdoors. Wear gloves and a respirator (n95 should do it if you can get one...) It's ok to use chemicals or a heat gun for the strip.

I would not then be too concerned about minuscule amounts of lead in the planer, though would certainly clean up before and after the job, perhaps even working outdoors. Don't compost the shavings - straight in the bin.

Fir can be beautiful, but I'm with the burn it brigade unless it's tight-grained old-growth stuff. Given the age, there's a good chance you have some really good wood there. Otherwise it's good for pallets and for glue chucks on the lathe.
Bettesworth | Jun 03, 2020 05:25am | #5
Simple solvents and scraping motions are not always enough to purge stubborn paint stains from wood floors. A little heat may be all it takes to loosen the paint from the surface of a floor.