How to Remove Old Paint From Clapboard Siding
Clapboard siding is a material installed on a home to protect it from the elements. It is generally made of wood. However, it can be metal or plastic. Clapboard siding is designed to deflect rain and snow away from the home's structure and prevent water damage. Removing old paint from the siding is done with cleaning solvents and pressure washing techniques.
Supplies
- Damp cloth
- Scraper or putty knife
- Protective gloves
- Paint thinner
- Paint brush or roller
- Steel wool
- Water
- Put on your protective gloves to prevent against chemical burns from the paint removing solvents.
- Wipe the siding surface down with a damp cloth to remove any loose paint or dirt. Alternatively, the siding can be rinsed off with a garden hose or a pressure washer on the lowest setting.
- Coat the siding with paint thinner. This can be applied with either a paint brush, roller or aerosol spray system. Allow the thinner to stand on the house for approximately two hours. It is important to read the manufacturer's directions for the solvents before applying. Siding material other than wood can be damaged by the chemical compounds in some.
- Use a paint scraper to remove any old paint that wasn't removed with the general cleaning. A putty knife can also be used for this portion of the job, as well as steel wool. Scrape off larger sections of paint at one time when at all possible.
- Spray the house off with water to remove the loose paint and thinner. Allow the siding to dry overnight before applying any new coats of paint or primer.