If the old paint is failing down to bare wood, you have to remove it all. You can hire professionals to remove the paint by using chemical removers or by sandblasting. Amateurs are encouraged not to undertake either of these removal methods: The chemical removers that pros use are too dangerous for the novice to handle, and if the air pressure is set too high on sandblasting equipment, an inexperienced worker may blow the siding right off the house. If you decide to have the paint removed by sandblasting, choose an experienced pro who can offer referrals to satisfied customers, and call or visit those customers to check the references. We emphasize experienced pro, because not all professional painters have had much practice sandblasting wood.

 

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Adapted With Permission From:
Home Improvement for Dummies

 

Copyright © 2006, and Trademark by Wiley Publishing. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc. For Dummies™ is a trademark or registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used by permission.

 

From Dummies.com. Dummies.com is owned and operated by Wiley Publishing, Inc. Copyright © 2006 Wiley Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

About Gene Hamilton, Katie Hamilton

Gene and Katie Hamilton write the syndicated "Do it Yourself . . . or Not?" newspaper column and are authors of For Dummies™ guides to carpentry, painting, wallpapering and plumbing.