As spring’s warmth draws us outdoors again, now is the ideal time to refresh your home’s exterior. From peeling porch floors to worn-out wooden shutters, a bit of careful restoration can make all the difference in curb appeal and structural integrity. Catherine Brooks, Founder and President of Eco-Strip, offers four practical, efficient ways to rejuvenate your outdoor spaces using the right tools and techniques this season.
1) Stripping Porch or Deck Floors Using the Speedheater™ Standard 1100
One of the biggest advantages of using the Speedheater™ Standard 1100 on horizontal surfaces is that you can safely place it directly on the floor for the 60+ seconds needed to make the paint bubble. Move the Speedheater to a new area and then scrape the now-softened paint from the first section. For best results, use either the Clapboard or 4-Cut Scrapers, applying pressure with both hands to get a deeper, more even stroke. However, be aware that some deck paints contain additives that don’t respond to infrared heat. If you notice the paint isn’t loosening as expected, switching to sanding may be the most efficient alternative method.
> Learn more about the Speedheater™ Standard 1100
2) Take Down Wooden Storm Windows and Outdoor Shutters which have been exposed to weathering
Start by removing your wooden storm windows and shutters which have been exposed to extensive weathering. Place them on sawhorses or a sturdy work table, which allows for easier stripping, repairs, and repainting. Remember to also remove and refurbish the metal brackets of the window, which can significantly extend their lifespan. To strip chipping paint off metal parts, use a crockpot with water heating slowly overnight, and then use a wire brush to remove any loosened paint before repainting.
When it comes to louvered shutters, the Speedheater™ Boomerang Scraper is particularly handy as tips can get underneath louvers to clean the rounded edges. Rotted wood and moisture can cause the louvers to “rack” and disconnect. Rebuilding a damaged louvered shutter can be very time consuming, which is why many homeowners choose to replace them instead.
> Read more: Removing Paint from Old Windows
3) Reviving Porch Columns and Rails
When porch columns and rails are weathered or peeling, choosing the right scraper can make all the difference. Fluted columns, for example, pair well with the Profile or Boomerang Scrapers, which will likely fit the curves and contours. For very wide columns, the Clapboard Scraper edge will often work fine. At the bases of the columns with curved edges, the Boomerang scraper usually fits the inside grooves. The same goes for rails and spindles; matching the scraper edge to each surface ensures quicker work and a smoother finish.
> View Eco-Strip’s range of Paint and Putty Scrapers
4) Reviving Porch Ceilings
Use the Speedheater™ Cobra Infrared paint remover with a ladder, being careful to not let soft paint shavings drop into Cobra head. The lightweight Cobra is easier to hold upside down than the Speedheater™ Standard 1100. Alternatively, a weighted bucket with lockable wheels can be made to hold the Speedheater™ Flexi Arm with an upside down Speedheater™ Standard 1100 attached. This setup can be wheeled around the porch ceiling (or even indoor ceilings) for efficient stripping. Any of Eco-Strip’s scrapers with pointed edges can be used to clear tongue and groove wood strips on ceilings.
> Learn more about the Speedheater™ Cobra and the Speedheater™ Flexi Arm
These pointers can help you make the most of your spring home improvement projects by giving your porch floors, shutters, columns, rails, and ceilings a well-deserved facelift. By using the right tools (such as a Speedheater Infrared paint remover) and techniques, you’ll enjoy a refreshed, inviting home exterior that stands out in every season.
