Thursday, October 11, 2012

Almost Done Paint Stripping

I finally managed to get back at the paint stripping project; today is day 3 this week. Some bits of white paint are being very stubborn, but I'm getting there. I do have some challenges that I'm still working on.
The first, is stripping this little corner behind the newell and in front of the first step. There is just not enough room to get the tools in there, not even the dental tools. I'll probably try sanding it with the dremel tool, and if that doesn't work, it will just get stained as is and I'll touch up with paint if needed.
And I still have this high portion to work on. I hate working on ladders.

And the mullions in the lower window need some work. I'm thinking about trying paint stripper and soft wire brushes.
And I have to figure out how to deal with the picture rail that is above the woodwork restored last year. I keep asking myself why I didn't just strip it back then, but I didn't think about it. I should probably pull and replace it, but so far I haven't been able to bring myself to do that; the wood you buy now just isn't the same as this old stuff. 

I may just have to declare one of the next rainy days "paint stripping day" and have Jeff help me with masking everything and we'll just have to work on it until it's done. He's much better about working on ladders.

Other than these areas, I'm mostly to the sanding stage. I bought a bunch of sanding heads for our dremel tool and a bunch of sandpaper for our multi-tool, so if I can maintain motivation, I should be able to finish this project this month.

7 comments:

  1. That is a LOT of paint stripping! You are definitely dedicated!
    The stairs are going to look wonderful when they are stained! :)

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  2. Sooo nice to see the end in sight, isn't it? I know there are still some hot spots--sewing room and a few assorted windows--but you're that much closer! So excited to see the progress at 12th Night!

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    1. Really, after this I just have the sewing room left. And that will wait until I feel like stripping paint again. Maybe 2013? Maybe later.

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  3. Well done, you!

    For those little angles below the stair nosings, the Dremel may well take care of it. Me, I'd get in there with a bit of Western Wood Doctor Refinisher on a piece of #0 or #1 steel wool and scrub it off.

    As for the cornice/picture rail-- if you're not up to stripping it and nor ready just now to replace it, you can cheat like I did with mine. Paint it a suitable light or medium brown or tan tone to cover up the white, then slam three or four coats of tinted shellac onto it. It'll match the rest of your woodwork and at that height nobody will be able to tell the difference.

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  4. You are amazing. I can't believe your dedication and patience.

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    1. Thanks Heather.

      It looks like you finally got your wished-for rain. =)

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  5. Looks amazing - nicely done! Can't wait to see that railing all stained up - it will look great! As for the picture molding - I would suggest removing it and stripping it on sawhorses or something. I've had great luck removing all of mine, stripping, staining, finishing, then re-installing. Stripping above your head is a pain for sure! Keep up the great work!

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