best way to remove layers and layers of paint off timber rail

[miraperry]

good morning community.  Can yiu please advise the best way to remove layer and layers of paintboff stair handcrails?  Electric Sander isnt lifting it.  

[MitchellMc]

If your electric sander isn’t making any progress @miraperry, it is likely that the multiple paint layers, especially if they are enamel, are too tough to sand through on their own. You could try a more powerful sander with a coarser grit, around 60 or 80, to get through the top layer, but often that alone will not be enough.

The next step is usually a chemical paint stripper. These are designed to soften and lift multiple layers of paint so you can scrape them off more easily. You need to be very careful when using them, wear the recommended personal protective equipment, protect your eyes and skin, and cover surrounding areas to prevent damage. Apply the stripper as instructed, allow it to work on the paint, and then use a scraper to remove most of the layers.

After the bulk of the paint has been removed, you can go back with your electric sander using a finer grit to smooth the timber and remove any remaining paint. This combination of chemical stripping followed by sanding is usually the most effective way to return the surface to bare timber without excessive effort or damaging the wood.

Here's a helpful step-by-step guide: How to strip paint from wood.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[miraperry]

Will do, Thankyou very much. 

[Dave-1]

Good afternoon @miraperry 

I had layers and "layers" of paint on my front door, I used a paint stripper to remove a lot of the paint but still due to the timber design of the door I couldnt get it all off. I ended up using a wire brush attachment for a drill and that really worked. So depending on how fine you want your handrail to finish it might be an idea to try doing the same in an out of the way corner and seeing?

Here is my project for the front door.

Front entrance door renovation 

Please NOTE ***

Paint stripper BURNS if you get it on the skin and it burns fast (taken from personal experience lol, shaking my head at myself.) I would use a paint stripper to remove layers of paint, some of the paint would touch my hands and I can remember saying to myself "just a little more and I will go wash it off" but nope, do it straight away.

Would be intersting seeing your handrail project as it unfolds as I am sure there are a lot of us with the same type of questions If possible, please take lots ofphotos of your steps and put up a project

Dave

[miraperry]

Thanks Dave.  Ill wear gloves when applying stripper. Ill post lots of photos. Before, during and after photos. Planning on starting week after next.  Hoping the timber under all the paint is nice.  Otherwise will have to repaint instead of stain.

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @miraperry 

Cross fingers for you And if you do use the brass wire wheel idea, the flakes do tend to go EVERYWHERE so plastic up the surrounding area

Dave