We’ve all seen them - seemingly flawless, smooth walls, ceilings and
floors. That perfect finish that everyone wants for their project. At Celtic, we know what it takes to get that
result. For us, it begins with preparation. Sometimes this means stripping away
years (sometimes decades!) worth of paint, wallpaper or a combination of the
two.
Knowledge and training plays a key role in surface prep. There are
quite a few options available for stripping paint and it’s important to know
what will work best for each project. For instance, the process that works best
on painted wood isn’t necessarily the best option brick or masonry.
Chemical strippers are very common and have a variety of uses. They
work well, but are also usually toxic, flammable and have a strong odor, which
limits where we can use them. Heat, applied with a special heat gun, is good
for smaller areas, as long as the substructure can handle it. Sand, media or
water blasting is beneficial in larger areas, making it a time and cost
effective way to remove paint quickly. For those tricky areas, sandpaper comes
in handy.
If the structure was built before 1978, chances are good that there is
lead in the deeper layers of paint. Lead was used as a brightener in paint
before its hazardous properties were fully understood. Removing lead paint
requires special handling. We have a method that strips out the hazardous
properties of the paint and cancels them. This is safer for our workers, the
environment and the public. It can also save time and money over other
procedures currently available.
With all the old paint out of the way, the base structure is revealed.
Many times, we have found intricate woodwork or beautiful brick hidden under
layers of old paint. Areas that are damaged get repaired and everything gets
prepped for the new coating.
The end result always shows the care and skill
that went into completing the project. No one part of the job is more important
than the other and all get paid careful attention – it’s how great finishes are
made.