How to Remove Paint From Cedar Siding

If you have painted cedar siding on your home and wish to remove the paint, you should be aware that the process is difficult and time-consuming. There are a few different methods that you can use to remove the paint. Some of these methods might damage your cedar siding, so choose your method carefully.

Things You Will Need:

• Pressure washer


• Sandpaper (at least 80 grit)


• Putty knife


• Chemical paint remover

Use a pressure washer to remove the paint

One of the methods that you can try in order to remove paint from your cedar siding is to utilize a pressure washer. A pressure washer will blast a steady stream of water at the paint in order to loosen it and remove it from the cedar siding. In order to pressure wash your siding, you will need to hook your pressure washer up to a hose and an outdoor power source. Aim the nozzle at the siding from an angle and use the water spray to work the paint off of the siding. Be warned that pressure washing can chip the wood and damage your cedar siding.

Sand the paint off by hand

If you have time to spare, you can attempt to remove the paint from your siding by sanding it. Use a hand sander and sandpaper that has at least an 80 grit rating. You can also elect to use a power sander in order to speed up the process. Sand each panel individually. Apply enough pressure to remove the paint, but avoid gouging and scratching the wood.

Use a chemical paint stripper

Visit the local hardware store and purchase a chemical paint stripper. Follow the instructions on the label when applying the paint stripper. In most cases, you will need to apply a coat of paint stripper and then wait at least 12 hours before scraping the paint off of the siding. Once the proper time has elapsed, you will need to use a wide putty knife to scrape the paint off of the siding. The paint should peel off easily. If the paint is resistant, you will need to apply another coat of paint thinner and repeat the process.