Exterior Paint Stripping with the Speedheater™ System

Over a century ago, a homeowner carefully brushed the first coat of paint onto the cedar clapboards of a handsome 1905 Craftsman bungalow. In the following decades, at least seven more coats followed, each trapping the layer beneath and sealing in lead‑based pigments common before 1978. Today, those layers are cracked, alligatoring, and hiding the wood’s original beauty. Traditional paint removal methods (heat guns, harsh chemicals, and aggressive sanding) risk scorching the siding, releasing toxic fumes, or turning lead dust airborne.

The Speedheater™ infrared paint stripping system offers a different path: low‑temperature, energy‑efficient heat that softens paint and glazing putty so they can be lifted off in broad, satisfying sheets – leaving historic wood intact and ready for a new finish. This guide walks you through every step of stripping exterior paint on a historic house with the Speedheater, from prep to final primer.

Why Gentle Heat Beats Harsh Methods on Historic Exteriors

Lead‑paint safety. The EPA’s Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) Rule requires contractors to minimize lead dust. Speedheater Infrared paint removers heat paint to approximately 400 – 600 °F, well under the threshold at which lead in paint starts releasing toxic fumes.
Preservation of original fabric. Heat guns can char or even ignite dry siding. Chemical strippers can leach into porous old‑growth lumber. The Speedheater’s infrared wavelengths penetrate just deep enough to soften paint without cooking the wood.
Cleaner jobsite. Because the paint releases in pliable ribbons, far fewer chips and dust particles end up on drop cloths or in the air.

Meet the Infrared Paint Remover Tools & Accessories

Speedheater™ Standard 1100 – The workhorse for broad clapboard runs, porch posts, and trim up to 3½ inches wide (View the Standard 1100)
Speedheater™ Cobra – A compact head perfect for window sashes, turned spindles, decorative brackets, and other tight spots (View the Cobra)
Speedheater™ Rapid Slim – Rapid Slim fits more easily into narrower, tighter spaces than the Standard 1100. Works well on vertical siding (View the Rapid Slim)

4. Ergonomic Scrapers & Blades – Swap among straight, clapboard, and profile blades to match siding shapes (View our scrapers)

5. Flexi Arm Accessory – Efficient suspension arm for the Speedheater Standard 1100 and Rapid Slim. Frees your hands and reduces fatigue on long walls (View the Flexi Arm)

6. Infrared Rack Kit – Holds your Speedheater Standard 1100 or Rapid Slim, allowing for super-fast vertical adjustments. Ideal for horizontal or vertical surfaces like wood siding (View the Infrared Rack Kit)

7. Heat‑Resistant Pads & Replacement Bulbs – Keep spare bulbs on hand; they install in minutes with a Phillips screwdriver.

Prep Work Before You Heat

Inspect and repair. Secure loose boards, countersink popped nails, and replace any rotted sections before stripping.
Mask vulnerable areas. Cover adjacent glass, metal flashing, and nearby shrubs with aluminum foil or fire‑retardant cloth.
Contain dust and chips. Lay 6‑mil plastic under the work zone and extend it three feet beyond the wall. A HEPA vac at the ready makes quick work of clean‑up.
Suit up. Wear nitrile gloves, heat‑resistant work gloves, safety glasses, and an N95 (or higher) respirator.
Test moisture. Wood above 18 % moisture may steam under heat. Postpone stripping after heavy rain until readings drop.

Step‑by‑Step Paint Removal Process

Position & Heat (30–60 seconds) Hold the Speedheater 2 – 4 inches from the siding. Watch for the top paint layer to blister slightly; that’s your cue it’s ready.
Test & Lift Insert the clapboard scraper under an edge. If the paint peels away in a sheet and the wood surface looks glossy (not burned) you’ve nailed the timing.
Scrape With the Grain Maintain a shallow angle so the blade rides the surface. Let the softened paint, not pressure, do the work.
Leapfrog for Efficiency While you scrape Section A, move the heater to Section B. Alternate back and forth to keep momentum.
Final Surface Cleaning A quick pass with 120‑grit paper (or a stiff nylon brush) removes residue. Wipe down with denatured alcohol before priming.

Dealing With Problem Areas

Ornamental Brackets & Balusters: Switch to the Cobra and a profile scraper that matches the contour.
Windows In Place: Aim the Cobra at glazing putty for 20 – 30 seconds; the glass stays below its thermal stress point, and the putty loosens cleanly.
High‑Moisture Boards: Increase heating time by 10 – 15 seconds and work slowly to avoid raising steam blisters.

Safety & Environmental Tips

Keep a class‑ABC fire extinguisher within 50 feet; even though the Speedheater’s temperature is below most ignition points.
Collect debris on plastic, mist it lightly with water, and transfer to sealed, labeled containers per local lead‑disposal requirements.
Never leave the infrared head face‑down on any surface; use the supplied stand between passes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will infrared heat dry out my cedar siding? No. The exposure is short, and moisture loss is minimal, typically less than a sunny afternoon’s worth.

How many square feet can I strip per hour? Expect 15 sq ft with the Standard 1100 on flat clapboards; ornate trim takes longer.

Can I work in cool weather? For best results, don’t try paint stripping using infrared or applying fresh paint in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Which blade works on shiplap siding? The angled clapboard scraper fits the bevel; keep a straight blade handy for end grain.

Finishing Touches: Ready for Primer & Paint

Moisture Check: When readings are 15 % or lower, you’re safe to prime.
Primer Choice: An oil‑based or specialty bonding primer seals residual lead pigments and penetrates old‑growth lumber.
Topcoats: Two coats of high‑quality 100 % acrylic latex or a traditional oil‑based enamel ensure durability. Follow manufacturer cure times.

Closing

Stripping a historic exterior doesn’t have to mean clouds of dust, unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals, or singed clapboards. With the Speedheater infrared system, you can protect your project’s heritage wood, work faster, and keep your jobsite (and yourself) safer.

Get ideas for paint removal projects to give a new look to your outside doors, porch, windows, shutters, and siding. Read our blog: “Planning for Summer Paint Stripping Projects on Your Old Home”

https://eco-strip.com/planning-for-summer-paint-stripping-projects-on-your-old-home/