Surface preparation: Paint stripping, sandblasting and water blasting

Painting isn't always a matter of picking a colour and getting straight into it; occasionally some surface preparation may be needed. The three major methods for preparing a surface for paint are paint stripping, sand blasting and water blasting. All techniques offer various purposes and levels of intensity.

You may find that all your surface requires is a simple DIY sanding job; however, if you need any of the above three, it's best to know what's involved. Read on for a basic description of what each technique offers.

The paint stripping process: What does it involve?

There are a number of ways to remove paint; it's just a matter of choosing which one suits you. If it's a small project and you're simply removing an old coat of paint, the easiest way to go about it is probably chemical paint strippers. Keep in mind that chemical paint removers are not ideal for the whole house as it can be pricey and breathing in the chemicals is not healthy.

Heat guns provide a chemical-free way to remove paint. As with chemical methods, the heat gun is only convenient if the project is small. For larger areas an electric sander or blowtorch are good, affordable options. If you're not particularly handy this type of job is probably best left to a professional.

What is sandblasting and when is it needed?

Sandblasting is a process where particles are shot at a surface in order to smooth and prepare it for work such as painting or tiling. Sand is not actually the most common particle used - the industry standard materials are typically copper, steel and walnut shells.

Sandblasting is a job that should only be carried out by a professional who has the appropriate equipment and safety wear. If you're having sandblasting done on your home, be sure to let the neighbours know in advance so that they can park their vehicles away from the sandblasting activity.

Water blasting procedures and techniques

Water blasting is used in situations where there is more than a few bumps to eliminate. In addition to removing paint, water blasting can remove deteriorated concrete and grout. This procedure is typically carried out on large industrial surfaces such as airport runways and highways.

As no sand particles are emitted to be potentially inhaled, it is considered safer than sandblasting. However, sandblasting is the more appropriate method for surface preparation in the home.