Stripping old (very old) architraves

[Eggles]

Thanks Ian - when I get enthused, I'll give it a go.

[Tools]

Take them off and send them to a paint stripper.

Tools

[Joister]

Hi Eggles,
We ended up with a great result after Peel Away but have since discovered a guy that takes stuff and dips it for you. its not cheap: $120/ door (and too late for us anyway) but fantastic result and minimal effort if you're really over it! He is based in Sydney - inner west but I'm sure there are others about.

An interesting aside on the lead paint. We ended up with lead levels above the recommended through the process of restoring our timber (we did doors, architraves and skirters). Not such a drama for adults but if you have kids or planning a pregnancy even low levels can cause very serious developmental/ learning issues. What we didn't know is that the wood after stripping still has lead in it (it is sealed in by 2 coats of paint - we used oil-based). We were sanding the bare timber thinking it was safe and relaxed too much with our masks - anyway live and learn.

If your paint is earlier than 1970's it is likely to be lead based. I wouldn't leave your partially stripped wood uncovered if there are kids about.

Anyway good luck and hope you get through it eventually!

PS we are still 2 months off finishing our renos if it makes you feel any better!

Cheers
Joister

[Eggles]

Hi Joister

Thanks for the words of encouragement and advice. Fortunately no kids round here, nor am I planning there to be (my 'kids' are now in their 30s). But I will be aware of the lead in the sanding dust if I ever get back to working on those architraves. I think I'll be long gone before that happens.