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Paint removal is a time-consuming job that can take anywhere from an hour for small surfaces, like a single stair banister, to multiple days for larger projects, like removing paint from wood siding. Expect to spend between five and 20 minutes per square foot. You can use chemical paint strippers to speed up the process, but be sure you use proper protective gear and take care to pick a product that’s suited for your material.

Sanding paint that contains lead is never safe, and sanding modern paints can still be hazardous. However, you can protect yourself by wearing a high-quality respirator during the process or by using a wet-sanding technique. You can wet the wall and then sand or use a wet sanding tool to achieve this.

In many cases, professionals can completely remove certain types of smoke damage from walls and ceilings, but it’s only possible if the damage is minor. For more extensive damage from major fires, you’ll likely need to replace the damaged materials entirely. Some items, like upholstered furniture, are much trickier to clean and might need to be replaced even if the smoke damage is minimal.

Yes, you can paint over old exterior paint, but success depends on the condition of the existing paint and proper surface preparation. If the previous coating is in good shape (not cracked, peeling, or flaky), you can paint over it with less prep work. However, for the most durable and professional-looking results, follow these key preparation steps:

• Clean the Surface: Thoroughly clean the exterior to remove all dirt, grime, and mildew. A pressure washer can be very effective for this.

• Scrape and Sand: If the old paint is peeling, cracked, or flaky, you must scrape off all loose paint. After scraping, sand the surface to create a smooth, even base for the new paint. Sanding is especially important for wood siding.

• Apply Primer: Using a quality exterior primer is highly recommended. It ensures the new paint adheres properly, improves durability, and provides a uniform finish. If you are painting a lighter color over a dark one, a tinted primer will help cover the old color more effectively.

Some brands offer paint-and-primer-in-one products for convenience. Taking the time to prepare the surface properly will not only increase your home's curb appeal but also help protect your siding and extend its life.