Gun

Mid knead bliss.



Scrapers, the one that looks like a pie turner is meant to open up painted shut windows. Which it does admirably, but it also scrapes loosened paint rather well.



The heat gun†, although some care must be taken as it can easily burn... anything. My skin, the wood, the house down. Run it ahead of the scraper slowly, and away from me, as the paint bubbles up, it scoops off nicely. I've noticed a lot of variation on the quality of the strip, thicker paint works better, when the wood beneath seems to have a thick oily lacquer it's better. The corners are difficult.

I made a judgement call on the presence of lead paint, since there seems to be no reliable, nonetheless affordable at any quality, even the expensive ones aren't reliable, test for lead paint. I figure this place wasn't besmirched by paint until the 70s, based on the age of the house, number of layers, as well as colors. Looks like a base coat, then two to four layers at most, and only on the wood framing in the back areas. I would not bet this way on the walls, where there is certainly lead paint right on the plaster. Good ventilation, and not letting my arms get tired. I wear a filter mask, goggles and leather gloves, long pants, and long sleeved shirt. Forgot that last one today, but it worked out.



It's not perfect, but leaves me with spots and smears. Next step, eventually I will sand and stain and lacquer, but getting off the black or grey stuff is my immediate goal. Tiny picks and perhaps a random orbital or finish sander, if I can get one for a good price. Not in a rush on this.


I did a time lapse, but can't figure out how to post it. Getting my IT guy* on it this evening.


†Like every damn 'Merican must have.

*D, of course.