How to Remove Paint & Stain From Log Cabins
Traditional log home builders generally seal them to prevent wood rot but rarely paint or stain them. If you want to remove the stain or paint from a log home you will need to use chemical solvents. You can choose to sand the log cabin but this would ruin the rustic and natural finish of the logs that log cabin owners and enthusiasts find desireable.
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Lay drop cloths around the outside of the house. This will prevent the chemical solvents from damaging the grass and other plants around the home.
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Put on gloves, goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from the paint stripper fumes.
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Pour the paint stripper into a pump sprayer.
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Spray the paint stripper over the entire surface of the painted and stained log home.
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Let the paint stripper sit for 24 hours or according to the manufacturer. During this time, keep children and pets away from the log cabin. As the stripper works you will notice the paint slowly peel away from the wood.
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Gently scrape the paint off with a plastic paint scraper. Use plastic so that you don't gouge the wood.
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Repeat the process if there is another layer of paint or stain that is still visible.
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Rinse the entire home with clear water and let it air dry completely.
References
Tips
- Chemical-based strippers dissolve the paint but they are toxic and require you to use respirators, gloves and goggles. Water-based strippers are non-toxic and they loosen the paint's hold on the log cabin so that you can scrape it away.
Writer Bio
Kaye Wagner has been working in the fields of journalism and public relations since 2006 and is a recipient of a National Hearst Award. She is particularly interested in home-and-garden projects, as well as beauty and fashion writing. An avid traveler, she also writes travel reviews and guides. Wagner earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Brigham Young University.
Photo Credits
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