Scrape off paint by dry scraping and sanding or using IR heat
Whether you’re planning to repaint your facade, boat, windows or furniture, it’s important to remove the old paint first. You always want to paint on a clean, dry and solid surface so that the new paint does not settle as a surface over moisture and dirt. This means that the result will not be as fine and the colour will flake more quickly. When choosing a paint removal method, there are several factors to take into account. Infrared Paint removal (action)/Paint remover (product) and dry scraping are two environmentally and human friendly techniques, but both have their advantages and disadvantages.
IR HEAT VS DRY PAINT SCRAPING
IR heating
Speedheater
How does the method work?
An IR lamp heats up the paint, which softens and becomes easy to scrape off.
Environmental impact
Does not release harmful amounts of toxins from the paint.
Energy consumption
This method requires low energy consumption.
Risk of personal injury
The low temperature of the tool means low risk of burns. Does not release harmful amounts of toxins.
Risk of material damage
Low risk of fire and burns on wooden surfaces. Once the paint softens, it is easy to scrape off in a way that is gentle on the wood.
Cost
In the short term, it is a relatively high purchase price. But a llong lifetime and low energy consumption provide good economics in the long term.
Resale value
High resale value. Strong demand in the second-hand market.
Time required
Fast heating, covers large areas and requires no pre- or post-treatment.
Lifespan
High quality and long shelf life of products. Compensation and support for any factory defects, as well as service and repairs at favourable prices.
User-friendliness
Ergonomically designed to minimise injuries and simplify use.
Versatility
Hflexibility. Wide range of uses and applications. Perfect for small and large projects and on different types of surfaces.
Dry scrape/slip
With paint scraper and sandpaper
How does the method work?
Scrape directly onto the paint with a paint scraper or sand with sandpaper
Environmental impact
Minimal. Make sure to collect the old paint and recycle in the right place only.
Energy consumption
Nobody! Only old, honest, human labour.
Risk of personal injury
Working calmly and methodically with the paint squeegee means minimal risk of injury.
Risk of material damage
As the paint can stick in some places, be careful not to apply too much. This can result in scratches and marks.
Cost
Very cheap method as all you need is a paint scraper and possibly sandpaper.
Resale value
Not very high, most people buy new tools.
Time required
Dry scraping is the least time-efficient paint removal method.
Lifespan
By sharpening your scrapers, you can use them many times. Sandpaper, on the other hand, wears out quickly and needs to be replaced.
User-friendliness
Requires patience and strength as the paint can stick.
Versatility
Best suited for smaller surfaces and paint that has already started to peel.
When is it best to choose Speedheater over other methods?
For paint removal on larger surfaces and especially if the paint has not dried out enough to come off by itself, Speedheater’s Ir technique is best suited. It’s also preferable if you want time-efficient work that’s not particularly physically demanding. The fact that the paint comes off so easily after heating also makes it easier to get a gentle paint removal, so for those who are afraid of the substrate, this method can make the process easier.
The Speedheater is clearly the more expensive of the two. At the same time, it is a tool that has a long shelf life, can be used for furniture, facades, carpentry, boats and more. So if you’re a DIYer who thinks you or someone close to you will use it again, a Speedheater is an investment worth considering.
When is it best to choose dry scraping and sandpaper over Speedheater?
If you’re just scraping paint off a small, flat surface, a simple paint scraper will do the trick. If the paint is old and has already started to peel, it will help a lot. If not, dry scraping is best suited for those who are willing to spend a little extra time and energy on the paint removal process. If the paint is hard, scraping can be a bit physically demanding, but it can be done with a little patience and will. Just remember to be careful not to grip too hard and damage the surface!
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