Paint removal exterior in Sidmouth
Looking for professional paint removal exterior help in Sidmouth? Hembury Contracting provides reliable misc services across Sidmouth and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
£60-210
Typical Duration
1-4 hrs
Location
Sidmouth
Old, flaking, bubbling exterior paint looks terrible and prevents new paint adhering properly. Sometimes you need to strip back to bare surface and start fresh. We remove old exterior paint from wood, metal, and masonry using appropriate methods for each surface, leaving it clean and ready for repainting.
Paint removal is one of those jobs that looks simple but is actually tedious, time-consuming, and easy to get wrong. Use the wrong method and you damage the surface underneath. Don't remove enough and new paint fails. Remove paint carelessly and you spread debris everywhere.
We use appropriate removal methods for different surfaces and situations. Heat guns and scrapers for wooden windows and doors. Chemical strippers for intricate mouldings. Wire brushing or grinding for metal surfaces. Gentle chemical or steam methods for masonry.
| Surface Type | Common Use | Removal Method | Time Estimate | |-------------|-----------|---------------|---------------| | Wooden door | Front/back doors | Heat gun + scraping | 2-3 hours | | Window frames | Sash or casement | Heat + careful scraping | 1-2 hours per window | | Metal railings | Garden railings, gates | Wire brush/grinder + chemical | Varies by length | | Rendered walls | House walls | Chemical stripper or coating | By the day | | Wood cladding | External timber cladding | Heat or chemical | By area |
The challenge with exterior paint removal is that exteriors have usually been painted multiple times. You're not removing one layer - you're removing five or ten layers built up over decades. Some will be oil-based, some water-based, some ancient lead paint (which needs careful handling).
We also consider why paint is failing. If it's failing because of damp issues or surface preparation problems, just stripping and repainting will result in the same failure. We'll identify and advise on underlying issues.
Why Choose Us for Paint removal exterior in Sidmouth?
Proper surface preparation
Removes failing paint completely
Ready for fresh painting
Prevents future paint failure
What to Expect
**Before we arrive:** Clear the area of plant pots, furniture, or anything near the surface being stripped. Cover plants if we're working near them. Let us know the approximate age of the building (affects likelihood of lead paint). **During removal:** We'll strip paint using appropriate methods, contain debris and scrapings, and prepare the surface for repainting. This is messy work - expect paint chips, dust, and chemical smells if using strippers. **After completion:** You'll have bare surface ready for priming and painting. We'll clean up paint debris and advise on next steps including timescales for painting and any repairs needed before painting.
Our Sidmouth Service Coverage
We cover Sidmouth and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Sidmouth or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
Send photos of what needs stripping and mention the surface material. This helps us estimate time required. Paint removal generates significant waste - paint chips, chemical stripper residue, etc. We bag it up and take it away but disposal of hazardous waste (lead paint, certain chemicals) may incur additional cost. Very old buildings (pre-1900) often have many paint layers. Complete removal can take days. Sometimes it's more practical to remove only failing paint and feather-edge the rest. Modern "self-cleaning" and masonry paints can be very difficult to remove. They're designed to bond permanently to surfaces. Chemical strippers work but slowly. For UPVC windows and doors, don't try to remove paint - it's almost impossible without damaging the plastic. If UPVC has been painted, you're usually better off living with it or replacing the units. After paint removal, surfaces need priming before top coating. Don't skip primer - it's essential for paint adhesion and longevity. Weather affects exterior paint removal. Rain stops work (you can't strip wet surfaces). Very hot days make chemical strippers evaporate too quickly. Plan for good weather. If you're planning to repaint yourself after we strip, do it soon. Don't leave bare wood or metal exposed for weeks - it deteriorates quickly. Some insurance companies want lead paint removed from properties for health reasons. If this is why you're having paint stripped, check what documentation they require.
Frequently Asked Questions about Paint removal exterior in Sidmouth
How much does exterior paint removal cost?
We charge £60 for the first hour, then £50/hour after. Small jobs (a door, window frame) take 1-2 hours (£60-110). Large areas like whole walls or facades are quoted by the day. We assess the work and provide estimates based on surface area and paint condition.
What methods do you use for paint removal?
We use appropriate methods for the surface - heat guns and scrapers for wood, chemical strippers for intricate areas, wire brushing for metal, and gentle methods for masonry. The technique depends on what's being stripped and what condition it needs to be in afterwards.
Can you remove paint from any exterior surface?
We remove paint from wood (doors, windows, cladding), metal (railings, gates), and masonry (render, brick). Some surfaces are trickier than others. Very old paint layers or certain modern paints can be stubborn. We'll assess and advise honestly on viability.
Do I need to repaint immediately after paint removal?
Not immediately, but fairly soon. Bare wood needs protecting from weather within days. Bare metal will rust quickly. Stripped masonry is more forgiving but still benefits from painting soon. We'll advise on timescales for your specific material.
Get a Free Quote in Sidmouth
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your paint removal exterior job in Sidmouth.
01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Sidmouth
* Same rates for all locations in our service area
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Trusted in Sidmouth
Ready to Book in Sidmouth?
Get a free quote for your paint removal exterior job in Sidmouth today.