Preparing a room for decoratingBrought to you by HSS Hire

Paint stripping is a slow and messy activity, but with the correct equipment this be-comes a great deal easier. Before starting ensure that all furniture, pictures and personal items are well covered or removed entirely from the room. The heat gener-ated from the paint stripper can damage any nearby items. Use a metal tray for resting the hot paint stripper on whilst not in use, which will prevent any scorching.

Ensure you are adequately protected from the paint fumes and paint stripping tool. Keep your work area well ventilated and ensure that sensible work clothing is worn at all times to reduce the risk of burns.

Work on small areas of paint at any one time, moving the stripper steadily over the surface of the paint around 4-6 inches away from the surface. Keep the nozzle moving at all times to prevent burning the paint, working over the required area until the paint starts to bubble and soften. At this stage the paint can be easily scraped away. On doors and other wooden furniture, you can run over the stripped area with a sander to create a smooth and even finish perfect for repainting. Before applying the new paint, wipe over the area with a little white spirit.

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Removing Old Paint

Stripping away tired old wallpaper can be made a great deal easier with a wallpaper stripper. The steam generated from the machine helps to melt the paste and soften the paper for easier removal.

Ensure you have adequate ventilation in the room and personal protection equipment, such as work overalls and gloves.

Uncoil the steam supply hose and hold the stripper plate attachment direct-ly against the wallpaper. Apply light pressure against the wall surface al-lowing the steam to soak into the paper. As the wallpaper paste begins to soften, the paper can be easily removed with a scraper. For more stubborn wallpaper types (woodchip being an example), be sure to repeat this process a few times until the adhesive begins to loosen.

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Stripping away old Wallpaper