Many (if not most) exterior painting projects begin with removing existing coats of paints. A process that can be anything from a walk in the park to an all-out nightmare, depending on the materials you’re working with.

Painted metal, for example, has the potential to be fairly tricky to strip. It’s a job that can be approached in a number of ways, using a long list of paint removal methods. The viability of which will be determined by the type of paint you’re looking to remove, how long ago it was applied and the condition of the material in general.

On the plus side, removing paint from metal isn’t usually quite as complex or arduous as it sounds. If planning an exterior painting project this spring with painted metal surfaces in mind, these are the simplest and most effective ways of removing the existing coat of paint.

Remove Paint from Metal with Baking Soda

Believe it or not, something as simple as baking soda can be used to effectively remove paint from a variety of metal surfaces.

What you’ll need to do is create a solution made up of one part baking soda to 16 parts water, which you can then heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Smaller painted metal items can then be placed in this hot solution for around 15 minutes, after which the paint will have begun peeling from the surface.

A similar effect can be achieved by using vinegar instead of baking soda, though it will inevitably result in a fairly strong vinegar fragrance permeating the surrounding space!

Remove Paint from Metal with Paint Stripper

For metal objects too large for the above method, the most effective and popular option is to pick up some paint stripper. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, you’ll usually be instructed to add a generous coating of the product to the surface of the material.

After around 15 minutes or so, the paint will begin to bubble and can be scraped away with an appropriate tool. A fast, easy and effective way to remove paint from metal, but one best attempted outdoors due to the potential for harmful fumes to be created in the process.

Remove Paint from Metal with a Heat Gun

Just as long as the object is in a suitably robust condition to handle it, a heat gun can also be highly effective. This is basically where you apply heat to the material to bubble and lift the paint away, which can then be removed with a scraper.

This is often the easiest and most effective way to target smaller areas of paint on larger surfaces, without compromising the integrity of the surrounding paint. It’s also great for removing multiple coats of paint at the same time, which may have been in place for many years.

Though again, make sure the material is in a good enough state of repair at the time to cope with exposure to high levels of heat.

Remove Paint from Metal with an Angle Grinder

Last up, this is by far the most aggressive and abrasive approach to removing paint from metal surfaces. However, it’s also one of the fastest and easiest, particularly when dealing with larger surfaces.

There are various special attachments for angle grinders that are specifically designed to remove paint.  Some of which are more abrasive than others, though in all instances have a habit of throwing debris and dust all over the place. It’s therefore a method to approach with caution, using high-quality PPE to keep yourself safe.

Of course, using an angle grinder isn’t recommended when dealing with fragile or delicate surfaces, for obvious reasons.

Why Not Hire Help?

If looking for the quickest and most cost-effective way to spruce up your exteriors this spring, why not call in the pros?

At Homm CPS, our experienced contractors provide a comprehensive range of exterior painting services at competitive prices. Whether looking to breathe life into a single outdoor feature or transform the aesthetic of your entire home, we’ll get the job done at a price you can afford.

Our quotations are available on an obligation-free basis and we would be delighted to visit your home for an in-depth consultation. For more information on any of our services or to discuss your requirements in more detail, contact the team at Homm CPS today.