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Removing one layer of latex paint

| Posted in General Discussion on

I have an older (70 years) home, which I repainted very carefully when I bought it, using a good alkyd gloss paint on the woodwork and the kitchen.  I was gone for 4 years, and my tenants painted the whole place with cheap latex as they left.  It is coming off, but not nearly fast enough.  Any ideas as to the easy way to remove the cheap latex and get back to the alkyd underneath?  I’m sure there is lead underneath all of this, and I would rather not disturb it.  I did one room’s woodwork using harsh cleansers and lots of elbowgrease, but it seems there could be a good something for the walls and ceiling of the kitchen.  Thanks.

Replies

  1. Frankie | | #1

    Depending how long it has been there. The key is to soften the latex paint with warm/hot water. Since it was applied over alkyd paint your chance for sucess is improved. If the application was recent, even better - less curing time. Soften the latex paint up enough to take it off with a maroon, green, or even more course a gray teflon pad. They rinse out easily...well, they rinse out. The tephlon pads will also scratch the undercoat to prep it for the new topcoat. Bonus! But what a mess!

    1. TommH | | #2

      I have found that ammonia tends to dissolve latex paint, but doesn't effect alkyd. Try softening it up with a strong mixture with hot water and a nylon scrubby pad.

  2. joeh | | #3

    Try air. Blow it off with a compressor. It won't take it all off, but if it lifting, the air will get a lot of it. Hell of a messssssssss. Joe H

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