Stripping paint off a window

My lame attempt has failed.  Know anyone I can pay to strip two windows?


Admittedly, I was confused when I saw you post a This Old House home improvement kinda thing. 

Everything is right in the Universe.


jeffl said:

My lame attempt has failed.  Know anyone I can pay to strip two windows?

I've had much more success using a heat gun with layers of paint vs stripping products.  


I have had good experience with the brush on type.  Usually takes more than one application.  If using heat around glass, be careful of cracking the glass accidently.


mrmaplewood said:

I have had good experience with the brush on type.  Usually takes more than one application.  If using heat around glass, be careful of cracking the glass accidently.

That's why I say I've had more success with a heat gun on multiple layers as it usually all comes off in one pass. On the pictures posted the glass has been removed so the poster should be OK if he gives it a shot. 


Heat gun will take it all off… no need to go to a strip joint.


Heat gun works, but it is slow going.

Chemical stripper works too, but you can only do a small area at a time, and you often have to apply it twice.

I have found a stripping service, they are quoting me approx. $225/window, but they need 2 weeks.  One week to soak in their solution, and one week for the wood to dry afterwards.  Then you need to prime & repaint (1 or 2 coats).

If you are interested, call me tomorrow (973-495-4863).  I have moved out of Maplewood, but I am not too far away.


tomcat said:

Heat gun works, but it is slow going.

Chemical stripper works too, but you can only do a small area at a time, and you often have to apply it twice.

I have found a stripping service, they are quoting me approx. $225/window, but they need 2 weeks.  One week to soak in their solution, and one week for the wood to dry afterwards.  Then you need to prime & repaint (1 or 2 coats).

If you are interested, call me tomorrow (973-495-4863).  I have moved out of Maplewood, but I am not too far away.

Take my advice. Do not soak your windows in any solution. That acid stays in the joints and will peel the paint for years to come. That acid will dissolve wood glue also if the joints were glued. You will regret it, and at $225 each you will kick yourself. Buy a heat gun, and a wire brush. Go slowly to build your confidence with the heat. It’s really the best thing for stripping 100 year old paint… and yes wear a mask. 


Thank you all.  I called a friend in town for advice and he’s doing it for me. As my Jewish grandmother would say, “Denks Gott!”   I’ll ask him if I can post his contact info. You all likely know him and his business.  I know Soul does.  


the18thletter said:

jeffl said:

My lame attempt has failed.  Know anyone I can pay to strip two windows?

I've had much more success using a heat gun with layers of paint vs stripping products.  

Yeah, I was gonna make the same suggestion.


(I just gotta say it.)  Be careful as the paint may have lead.



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