Removing old paint from doors and frames

[andy_g]

We have an old apartment that has very large doors and frames and we would like to know what is the right procedure for removing the old paint, maybe as old as 50 years, and exposing the wood underneath? In some places the paint has flaked off, and I can clearly see the wood underneath. The doors and frames have wooden decorations - how can the paint be removed from those bits?

Many thanks

 

[Burnerman]

The doors can be dipped and stripped without any problems, but the architraves is another matter......consider getting busy with the Nitromors for that but if the mouldings are intricate you'll be busy for ages!
John

 

[misterhelpful]

With paint as old as 50 years, you have to be careful of lead. It was being phased out around that time but was still used for a fair few years.
Dry sanding and scraping lead paint is a big H&S no-no and wet removal (chemical stripper) is the safest route. However, chemical strippers are nothing like they used to be so having the doors dipped would be worthwhile. You can remove the architraves and get those done as well, but the jambs/linings will need to be done in situ with stripper, or a heat gun set below 450°C.

 

[andy_g]

Thanks for the replies. Will pass your comments on.

 

[opps]

It might be cheaper to remove the architraves and skirtings.

All depends on the monetary value you put on you labour time.