Preserving the past doesn’t always mean saving a grand landmark. Sometimes, it means stripping layers of paint from a century-old window frame in your own home.
In May, we celebrate National Preservation Month. It’s a time to recognize the people and places that keep our heritage alive. Whether you’re a seasoned restoration professional or a homeowner working on your first old house, you’re part of this important work.
At Eco-Strip, we believe preservation starts with understanding what’s worth saving, and how to do it safely and sustainably. Read about Eco-Strip’s commitment to historic preservation.
What Is Historic Preservation, Really?
Historic preservation is the practice of maintaining, protecting, and restoring buildings, landscapes, and features that have cultural, historical, or architectural significance. But it’s not just for museums or mansions.
It’s also:
- Keeping original wood siding instead of replacing it with vinyl.
- Repairing a window instead of tossing it for a new one.
- Respecting the craftsmanship and materials that tell a story.
Every patch of original trim or hand-carved baluster you restore contributes to a richer, more authentic community.
Why It Matters to Homeowners and Pros
Preservation might seem like a noble goal, but it’s deeply practical, especially when you’re working with old materials that are better than anything available today.
Here’s why it’s worth it:
- Original materials last longer. Old-growth wood is incredibly durable and often better quality than what’s on the market now.
- It’s more sustainable. Repairing instead of replacing reduces waste and saves resources.
- It adds value. Preserved architectural details make a home more unique and desirable.
Paint Removal Is Where Many Projects Go Wrong
One of the trickiest (and most hazardous) parts of restoration is removing old paint, especially when lead is involved. Many homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, which can be hazardous when sanded or stripped using traditional methods.
That’s why more preservationists and homeowners are increasingly turning to Speedheater’s infrared paint removal tools.
Read more: Mastering DIY Safety: Essential Tips for Paint Removal Projects
How Eco-Strip Supports Safe, Smart Preservation
Our Speedheater™ infrared paint removal kits gently heat paint and putty to the perfect temperature for scraping, without burning the wood or releasing harmful fumes.
Why it works:
- Safe for lead paint (Low-heated paint does not create toxic lead fumes).
- Gentle on fragile or detailed woodwork.
- Eco-friendly: no chemicals, no flames.
Whether you’re working on windows, siding, or trim, infrared paint stripping tools give you more control. They also help you preserve more of the original materials that make your project unique.
Read more: How to Use Speedheater™ Infrared Technology for Paint Removal
Which Speedheater Kit works best for my renovation project?
Eco-strip offers 3 premium models of eco-friendly Infrared Paint Removers, all of which are specially designed for safe and effective paint removal. The Speedheater™ Cobra, Standard 1100 and the Rapid Slim units can all be used to remove both paint and varnish quickly, safely, and easily. However, each of our Speedheater™ units has its own unique characteristics and practical applications:
- The Speedheater™ Cobra is the FASTEST infrared paint remover on the market. The Cobra is the perfect tool for DIY homeowners stripping doors, windows, spindles, tight spaces, furniture, and more.
- Our Speedheater™ Standard 1100 Infrared Paint Remover works great on large paint stripping jobs like siding, floors, doors, window frames, and porches.
- The Speedheater™Rapid Slim Kit is second to none when it comes to straight, narrow, and flat surfaces. The width of the heated surface using the Rapid Slim Kit is almost half that of the Speedheater™ Standard 1100, so the Rapid Slim fits more easily into narrower, tighter spaces than the larger infrared heater.
Read more: Which Speedheater Kit is Best for my project?
In the Words of a Restorer:
“My #speedheatercobra helped us restore our old trim from 100 years of different layers of paints. It’s my #1 tool and I’ll shout it from the rooftop until I can’t anymore. If you need to do any paint stripping, particularly where lead is present, you’ll want to check out these products.”
@renovatingmainstreet
You don’t have to be a historian to be a preservationist. You just have to care – and have the right tools.
Join the Movement This Month
This Preservation Month, take pride in the work you’re doing… big or small. Every beam, board, and bracket you save helps preserve the soul of a place.
Looking for inspiration? Read our Customer Restoration Stories…
Mauchline Manor: How do Speedheaters cope with 75 doors & 100 windows?
Restoration Stories: How the Speedheater™ Cobra Transforms Historic Windows
For more information about National Preservation Month, visit Saving Places.
