How to Remove Latex Paint
Latex is one of the most common kinds of paint used to decorate and protect wood and metal surfaces all over the home. While latex paint is durable, you do need to take existing paint off if it’s ruined or if you’re planning to remodel a room of your home. Here are some ways to remove latex paint from a surface.
Latex Paint at a Glance
Latex paint is more accurately referred to as acrylic paint. Acrylic paints do not contain natural rubber compounds; the word “latex” in “latex paint” refers to the similarity of dried acrylic paint to latex and other rubber compounds. Latex paints are bound together by an acrylic emulsion which is carried by water. Acrylic paint forms a very strong protective bond on surfaces that usually do not need to be refinished or restored.
When prepared, mixed, and painted on properly, latex paint is very durable. Many painters like to use acrylic paints because of their high gloss and strong finish. In time, however, latex paint can wear, and may chip or peel easily. When this happens, you need to refinish the surface with a new coating of latex paint.
Paint Strippers
While you can paint over a painted surface, some of the chips and cracks may appear on the new paint layer. You may need to remove the existing paint layer first before repainting the surface. Here are some tools that can help you remove latex paint from a wall or a painted surface.
Chemical Paint Strippers
removing latexTraditional paint strippers use chemicals to dissolve the bond between the surface and the paint molecules. The most common kind of paint stripper is a liquid that is painted on the surface. Some paint strippers come in the form of a gel, which clings to ceilings and walls easily. Paint strippers are highly toxic, so do not inhale the vapors. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package, and dispose of the stripped paint properly to avoid damaging the environment.
Heat Guns
Another way to remove latex paint from painted surfaces is to use heat. The key is to use just enough heat energy to dissolve the bond between the paint molecules and the painted surface. Most heat guns use hot air which can cause embers to form on wood and set the wall on fire. Instead of a conventional hot-air gun, you can use a heat gun that uses infrared radiation to heat the painted surface.
Once you have completely removed the latex paint layers, you need to lightly sand the surface to make sure that the next coat of paint adheres evenly and smoothly. With these steps, you can easily remove old, chipped, or ruined latex paint and replace it with a new layer.