If you are currently remodeling the exterior of your home, you may want to change the siding. If you are planning on adding siding or another texture, you probably want to first strip your current paint. There are a few ways to strip exterior paint, as listed below.

Electric Heat Gun

The first option you have for stripping exterior paint is with a heat gun. While many people like to use blowtorches, they can be dangerous and are not always worth the risks involved. A safer option that gets the same results is an electric heat gun. They will get hot enough to strip away the paint, but not so hot you will release toxic fumes. There is a risk of fire to your home with the heat gun, but the risk is much lower than with a blowtorch.

Chemical Stripper

If you are comfortable using chemicals to remove the paint from your home's exterior, you can try that option. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the chemical stripper to the outside of your home. Be very careful with chemicals and always wear protective gear, especially gloves and goggles. Once it is applied, you will see the paint bubble, and it peels right off. While it is effective, this is better when you have smaller areas of paint to remove. Otherwise, it can be very time consuming.

Electric Sander

For a fast way of stripping paint, consider using an electric sander. You will either need a belt sander or a rotating sander. They can remove the paint very quickly, but if you use too much pressure, it can also cause damage to the wood underneath. Make sure you are very careful when removing paint from your home with a sander. Also consider that if you suspect lead paint or asbestos in the paint, you should not use this method. It could release dust that you might accidentally inhale. Always have your home inspected if you suspect that either of these things are in the paint.

Scraping

This is one of the oldest methods for stripping paint from a home, and also one of the most common. It is effective, does not damage your home's structure, and gives you more control. You also don't risk health complications due to extra dust and toxins. You will need a sharp putty knife that is rigid enough for proper control. Start at one edge or corner and start scraping away at the paint. It is more labor-intensive, but many homeowners prefer this method.

For more information, or if you would like professional assistance, contact Dip 'N Strip or a similar company.