Hi fellow reno's,
I am starting on a project. Sanding back flaking paint on window/wardrobe trims. These are the tools am using. Plus have electric sander to do tougher jobs.
Welcome to the Workshop community @amy2.
Are there any particular issues you are having with the sanding process that we can assist with?
On those detailed trims, you will find it difficult to remove all of the paint especially in the corners of the trims. In order to repaint the area, you do not need to remove all of the paint just the damaged and flaking portions of it. Once the flaking paint is removed and sanded smooth, you can apply an undercoat that will seal and bind the rest of the existing paint.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please let me know.
Mitchell
Thank you Mitchell. I am almost done with all the trims. Next step will be the undercoat.
Hi @amy2,
It's great to hear you've made progress on your window and wardrobe trims. We can't wait to see your finished project as you are certainly taking all the right steps to ensure you get a fantastic finish.
Please let me know if you need any advice on painting the trims or if you had any questions.
Just a question. If I don't remove all the flaking paint, won't there be a distinct marking when re-paint. Won't be even in some places? I am pretty much able to peel off the flaking paint.
Hi @amy2
Any paint that can just be peeled off needs to be removed as it is not bonded to the underlying layers sufficiently. If you can feel the edge of the paint with your finger and it has a thickness to it then use you will notice the transitions after applying additional coats of paint. If you can't remove all the paint then I would certainly sand those transitions to minimise them showing through after recoating. There is a range of sanding sponges that can assist in getting into those tight to reach and profiled areas.
Once you apply an undercoat and then two topcoat layers many of the underlying defects will be hidden.
Thank you Mitchell that answer makes sense. Really appreciate the support!
@amy2,
Support and advice it what we are here for.
We're looking forward to seeing your amazing results as you're doing a fantastic job.
Hi Mitchell,
...still working on the paint. At the moment I am working on the trims on my back door.
I've been using 120grit sand paper. Have been suggested to use 180grit also. Which one is best for the job?
How will I know when it's smooth enough to apply the undercoat?
Thanks,
Amy
120 grit sandpaper will remove material faster and 180 grit will leave fewer visible scratch marks in the timber/coating. If you were to only apply a topcoat over the sanded areas then I would suggest 180 grit or even 240 grit so the sanding marks don't show through it. Since you are going to undercoat before the topcoat I think 120 grit will be fine.
A good way to tell is to run your fingers over the area. If you can feel the transitions between areas then it is likely to show through a single coat of paint. As mentioned this can be overcome by addition undercoats or two topcoats.
If you have some undercoat it might be worth doing a small test area and seeing how visible the sanding marks are through it.
I want to also congratulate you on your perseverance. I think you are doing a fantastic job. Most people would have just painted over it and had their coating fail in a matter of years.
Thanks very much for the advice!
Still on this project.....
Can you direct me towards any tutorials on this Bunnings workshop site that could offer me advice for applying undercoat?
Thanks so much
It's great to hear from you @amy2!
You might like to read through this step-by-step guide: How to paint like a professional. It touches briefly on applying undercoats. However, applying an undercoat is much the same procedure as painting.
If you'd like to post some pictures of the surfaces you are planning on undercoating, I'd be happy to provide advice tailored to your project. The most important choice is likely what type of undercoat you'll use. Recently I've been using Dulux 1L PRECISION Maximum Strength Adhesion Primer White on any surface that has more than a low-sheen to it. Traditionally you'd need to scuff up or remove any gloss paint before undercoating. This new product will adhere to the gloss surface with only a slight sanding. For a general-purpose undercoat, I go with Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat.
I look forward to seeing some updated images of the project and providing further assistance.
Hi MichellMc
Is there a power tool that can be used for sanding trims, corners, skirting boards? I have Ozito 1/2 sheet sander and Ozito detail sander. The details sander is just a little bit too big for skirting boards etc.
Hi @Nanne,
A Multi Function tool with a sanding attachment would likely be the next size down from a detail sander. The tool is longer, but the sanding pad is smaller, allowing you to get into tighter spaces. We have the Ozito 300W Multi Function Tool and Ozito PXC 18V Multi Function Tool if you want to stay within the Ozito range.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
This is the finished product of my painting project. Photos are way over due to be shown. I finished the house painting last year. Staircase
Hello @amy2
Thank you so much for the painting update. Your painting project looks fantastic! All that sanding and preparation has paid off as your banister and handrails look amazing.
Again, thank you for sharing the results of your painting project.
Eric
