Removing paint

[keithr]

I have a carvel Folkboat and need to remove all the paint from within the cabin. I'm considering a high pressure water jet or blasting with a dry medium. If necessary I'm prepared to hire pro power tools but I'd rather not use chemicals. Can anyone suggest a method which won't damage the wood?

 

[Peterduck]

Any form of blasting, whether wet or dry, stands a good chance of damaging the wood. I'd go with a hot-air gun and Skarsten scraper. The gun should be used carefully so that you do not char the wood, only soften the paint. If you have not done this before, when the paint begins to blister, take the heat away, and start scraping. You'll quickly get the hang of it. For tight corners I would make up custom scrapers from broken hacksaw blades; one with a square end, one with an angled end. Getting paint out of the grain of the wood is very difficult without a chemical stripper, which is why I use varnish as a primer if there is any likelihood of someone in the future wanting to change my painted finish to a bright finish. A delta sander would be my choice for final finishing; they are surprisingly good.

 

[keithr]

Thanks Peter, it seems that once painted it is impractical to return to varnish unless originally primed with varnish. Fingers crossed this is the case ortherwise its another coat of white. Its pretty gloomy in a Folkboat cabin so white is probably a good idea anyway.
cheers
Keith