When it comes to a good paint job, nothing will improve the quality of the finished product better than solid preparation.  Removing loose and peeling paint can be done with a variety of tools, most prominently the paint scraper.  Although paint removal can be accomplished with power washers, sanders and grinders, they most often have to be used in combination with shavers and putty knifes – in other words, paint scrapers.

Choose your tool based on the condition and surface that you’re preparing to paint.  For large areas pressure washing is common.  When done properly it can clean and remove loose material, but in nearly every case additional detail work is needed.  This is where paint scraper tools excel. DIY Resource: http://www.networx.com/article/painting-choosing-a-paint-scraper

Multi-tools and Putty Knives

While generally grouped as “scrapers,” putty knives fall into a useful category for light touchup work on flat surfaces.  These tools can be found in stiff of flexible models.  Stiff putty knives are rigid enough to be sharpened and used a like a chisel. 

One of the more versatile “versions” of the stiff knife is a tool I learned to call a “painter’s 5-in-1” tool (also known as a “painter's tool” or an “11-in-1”). These tools are recognizable by the circular cutout in the side, which functions as a paint roller cleaner. If you are looking for a great addition to your tool box, this is great place to start. The many hats that the multi-tool includes: Paint scraper, putty spreader, gouger, hammer, rake, opener, putty remover, paint roller cleaner, nail setter, nail puller and flat screwdriver.

Double-edge Paint Scrapers

The double-edge scraper uses a shallow “U” shaped blade.  Some of these scrapers also have an additional round knob-type handle above the blade that can be used for adding extra force or power to the scraping stroke.  These tools can be pushed or pulled.  In most cases, the blade can be rotated after one side becomes dull to still allow use before the next sharpening. DIY Resource: http://www.hometalk.com

Single-edge Scrapers

Perhaps the most specific scraper is the single edge pull type.  This style of scraper resembles a large screwdriver in it basic shape, but where a screw driver’s “work” end would be is a thick, sharp blade that is mounted with a screw or bolt to the tool’s shaft. This blade is beveled like a chisel’s blade, and the sharp profile is pulled across the surface to scrape away the paint.  Many of these tools have a wide range of “tips” that can be installed to work more complex profiles than a simple flat surface.  If you need to scrape the inside of cove molding, you can install a blade that will match the inside curve.  Corner molding can also be scraped with a concave blade.  The beauty of these scrapers is the wide range of blades that can be used.

Keeping Your Paint Scraper Sharp

Regardless of what type of paint stripper you use, the most effective scraper is one that is sharp.  It does not need to be razor sharp, but a keen edge will allow the blade to work its magic.  The putty knife type and the double-edge type of paint scraper can often be touched up with a simple mill file.  While the simple profiles of a single-edge scraper can also be sharpened this way, the more complex profiles of the cove and concave scrapers may need specialty stones or tools to renew their edges.

Kevin Stevens is a Hometalk.com writer.  Read more articles like this one or get help with your home projects on Hometalk.com.