Good advice on how to remove water-based paint from the ceiling

Any renovation starts with removing unnecessary finishes from surfaces.

Most often, problems arise with cleaning the ceiling from water-based paint, since this is the most common material. This is due to the ease of application, moisture resistance and durability.

However, getting rid of such coverage is quite difficult, but possible with a competent approach. Read about how to quickly remove old water-based paint from the ceiling in the article.

What do you need to know before starting cleaning?

Before choosing a method for removing a water emulsion, it is necessary to determine its type. Depending on the main component in the composition, the paint is:

1. Acrylic - includes acrylic resins which harden after drying. It is resistant to water and various detergents if it contains latex. Removing it is not easy, but alcohol and solvents will do it.
2. Silicone - contains an antiseptic in addition to resin. The coating is impervious to moisture and steam, therefore it is usually used in bathrooms and kitchens. Special industrial washes remove such paint well.
3. Silicate - water suspension with the inclusion of liquid glass. It is more suitable for the decoration of industrial premises. Its service life is about 20 years. It can be easily washed off with plain water.
4. Mineral - it is based on slaked lime or cement. The cheapest and most short-lived material that is not used for fine repairs.
5. Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) - due to the reduced resistance to moisture, it is used exclusively for interior decoration. This type of coating can be removed without problems with soapy water.

Hence the conclusion that acrylic, silicone and PVA paints are mainly used in residential premises.

When is it necessary to wash off the water emulsion?

Situations when you can't do without deleting:

• the presence of small bubbles, exfoliation and swelling on the surface;
• planning a major overhaul or coating that is incompatible with the existing one;
• if fresh paint is lighter in color.

How to quickly remove an old coating?

There are several effective removal methods old water-based paint from the ceiling:

• water;
• chemical;
• thermal;
• mechanical.

To this list, you can add a few more folk methods. The choice is made based on the type of surface.

Washing off with water

The work will need a wide soft roller with a long handle and a scraper... The essence of the procedure is that the surface is abundantly moistened with water from a spray device.

You will need to make several runs at intervals of 15 minutes. As a result, the paint layer swells and then is easily separated with a spatula.

The advantages of this method include cheapness and lack of dust due to moisture... However, it is only suitable for non-waterproof coatings. Another disadvantage is labor intensity (the quality of cleaning will depend on the number of layers available).

It will be easier to remove the old paint if iodine is added to the water. For latex-free acrylic coating, an alternative to iodine will be alcohol or salicylic acid, with latex - dichloroethane or chloroform.

Thermal method

Another option for removing the emulsion from the ceiling is by heating it with a construction hair dryer.

The advantages of this method:

• suitable for removing multi-layer paint with a waterproof emulsion;
• does not require large labor costs;
• safe, because when heated, the paint does not emit toxic substances.

The cons will be as follows:

• not everyone has a hair dryer on the farm, since this is an expensive tool;
• the hairdryer must be turned off every quarter of an hour so as not to overheat;
• it is unacceptable to heat surfaces near wiring, sockets and other electrical outlets;
• not suitable for removing a thin layer of paint.

Mechanical

Here you will need a drill with a special grinding attachment made of metal fibers. You can use a conventional grinding unit. The main thing is to be able to use all this.

This is one of the quickest and most effective ways to after which additional grouting of the surface is not required.

A significant disadvantage is dust, which is formed quite a lot. And also small serifs and roughness will remain on the ceiling.

Chemical method

If a moisture-proof water emulsion was used during staining, then special washes will come to the rescue. They are sold in construction departments.

How to use the wash:

1. They are preliminarily passed along the ceiling with a metal brush to break the integrity of the coating.
2. A flushing liquid is applied with a brush or roller and wait as long as indicated in the instructions (if you overexpose, the paint will first get wet and then harden again).
3. Remove old paint with a spatula.
4. Finally, wipe the surface with a solvent, then wash with clean water.

All washes are chemical liquids with a harmful composition. Therefore, when working with them, be sure to wear protective glasses and a respirator. At the end of the process, the room is thoroughly ventilated.

How to clean with soapy water?

Water-based paints and varnishes are effectively washed off with soapy water.

They act as follows:

1. Water heated to 50-60 ᵒС is poured into the container, and washing powder or liquid soap is added. Stir until foam is formed.
2. Apply the solution to the stained areas with a sponge.
3. Wait 15 minutes and wash off the soaked paint layer with a cloth, periodically rinsing it in clean water.

What not to do and why?

Do not hope that as a result of multi-layered overlay of paint of different shades, you get something worthwhile.If the old paint is darker than the new one, then it will certainly show through. As a result, everything will have to be redone.

After finishing, drafts are excluded, otherwise the paint will dry for a long time and unevenly.

Useful Tips

Regardless of the method chosen for removing the old paint coating from the ceiling, it is required to cover furniture and things with plastic wrap to avoid damage to them. And for work you need a stepladder or a stable table.

Do not forget about personal safety, armed with a respirator and goggles... The maximum possible cleaning of the surface from the water-based coating will ensure the best adhesion of the new paint to the ceiling.

Therefore, after all the manipulations done, it is recommended to additionally treat the surface with sandpaper or a metal sponge in order to eliminate the slightest defects and remove dusty deposits.

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Conclusion

Of all the proposed methods, soaking the paint with water is considered the safest.... And chemical compounds remove the old coating more effectively. But here the decisive factor is their toxicity, so care must be taken.