Electric sander recommendations (female use)

[TriTracy]

Anybody have any recommendations on an electric sander that will be suitable to use to strip a varnish covered tongue & groove ceiling? I've been browsing the internet, but I'm none the wiser. Also this will be used by a female (with no experience) so weight will also be important.

 

[alan333]

How big an area? It would be absolutely brutal to sand varnish from a big t&g ceiling. Personally I'd consider replacing it.

 

[TriTracy]

It's 10 ft by 8ft. Just how brutal? What's involved?

 

[Burnerman]

I think you could only sand the surface of the varnish off, prior to repainting, really.......to sand down to bare timber would be almost impossible.
You need to consider dust extraction on any machine you consider too.
Makita or Bosch are reliable makes.
John

 

[TriTracy]

Do you think the paint would stick just sanding the surface? Any idea what paint I could use please? I've been looking at the sanders that catch the dust, I think this has to be the way. My husband thinks the job will be too much, but the ceiling is really dark at the moment and would look so much better lighter.

 

[Burnerman]

So long as you key the varnished timber with your sander, the new undercoat will stick fine......but of course you may need a good few coats!
Zinsser paints are good for creating a barrier between old and new coatings......personally I haven't found any product better.
John

 

[cajar]

vacuum attachments are better than ones that have their own bag.

your arms are going to be aching lol.

 

[catlad]

Don't waste your time its also a fire hazard take it down.

 

[foxhole]

Sander wont get into the grooves, if you want to paint just clean and prime with ESP then paint, no messy sanding, though as stated bit of a fire hazard and best removed, though it's might be hiding a dodgy ceiling and require new.