What do I need to know about paint removal from cedar shakes?

Answer by  TravisUSMC (979)

Paint thinner will destroy the wood. Sandblasting will ruin it as well if its a thick coat. You can either spend hours sanding it lightly by hand or try sandblasting. Just make sure you try it using small grit sand, very low air pressure, and work very slowly. Test the process first on a small part of the cedar shakes.

Answer by  ArunPRaj (62)

You should be very careful when removing paint from cedar shakes. I would recomend a gentle power wash, then use a chemical remover for what is left. You could also try a steamer to remove the paint. If all else fails, you can try flipping the shakes and use the other side.

Answer by  scwriter007 (254)

Removing paint from cedar shakes can result in expensive damage if not done correctly. Each situation needs careful evaluation by a painting professional. Hire one.

Answer by  informant31 (510)

You should be very careful when removing paint from cedar shakes. I would recomend a gentle power wash, then use a chemical remover for what is left. You could also try a steamer to remove the paint. If all else fails, you can try flipping the shakes and use the other side.

Answer by  mb (5482)

You will need to put down plastic tarps to catch all the paint you chip off. People often used lead paint with cedar shakes and it is toxic.

Answer by  Jakecutter (1819)

It's difficult first of! Just about any remover or thinner will destroy the wood; sandblasting or scrapping will ruin the wood. Unless you want to spend days gently sanding the paint off the wood, you may want to think about this some.