When you’re planning a fresh coat of paint on your Wellington area property, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to strip back existing paint or simply paint over it. At first glance, painting over decades of old finish might seem easier and cheaper but stripping paint can deliver long‑lasting, top‑quality results.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of paint stripping for heritage homes and modern builds alike, dive into when it’s worth the effort, and explain how proper surface preparation enhances the final finish and durability. You’ll also find helpful insights from our painting and plastering services to help you make the best decision.

What Is Paint Stripping?

Paint stripping, sometimes called paint removal, is the process of taking off existing coats using chemical strippers, heat guns, sanding, or eco‑friendly options like soda blasting. It’s especially recommended when surfaces are cracked, bubbling, uneven, or coated with lead paint common issues in homes built before the 1980s.

Our experienced team handles this through our paint stripping services, using the safest techniques to protect both your home and health.

Benefits of Paint Stripping

1.Extended Paint Lifespan

Stripping back to a clean base allows the new paint to adhere better and last much longer. Painting over multiple layers often leads to peeling or uneven coverage.

2.Reveals Hidden Problems

When you remove old paint, you can uncover deteriorated timber, moisture damage, or mould, enabling proper repair before repainting.

3.Restores Original Detail

Homes with heritage features like skirting boards, ornate window frames or weatherboards shine once freed from layers of paint. Stripping can revive the character of your home.

4.Safe Lead‑Paint Removal

Older homes may have layers of lead‑based paint. Correct stripping is often the safest route, reducing health risks for your household during repainting.

5.Professional Quality Finish

A properly stripped surface provides the ideal base for a clean and durable repaint. In our interior painting services, we always prioritize thorough surface prep to ensure a smooth, long-lasting result.

Drawbacks to Consider

1.Time and Labour Intensive

Stripping takes longer and requires more hard work than painting over. For large areas, expect multiple stages of removal, sanding, and prep.

2.Higher Upfront Cost

The increased labour, materials, and professional involvement come with a bigger price tag upfront.

3.Requires Skilled Operators

DIY stripping can be dangerous especially when dealing with lead or chemicals. Our licensed professionals are trained to handle such jobs safely. For instance, our team uses similar precision techniques in gib stopping and plastering work too.

When Is Paint Stripping the Right Choice?

Consider paint stripping if:

  • Your paint is peeling, flaking, blistering or cracking
  • The home was built before 1980 (potential for lead paint)
  • You’re restoring original woodwork or heritage features
  • You need to transition from oil‑based to water‑based paint
  • Existing layers are so numerous the walls look patchy or uneven

Sometimes, especially in exterior painting projects, we find that paint stripping can significantly enhance both adhesion and the lifespan of new coatings.

Alternatives to Full Stripping

Not all projects need aggressive stripping. Here are some surface‑prep alternatives:

  • Spot stripping damaged spots, like peeling window frames
  • Feather sanding edges of flaked paint to smooth transitions
  • Adding a bonding primer over stable old paint to aid adhesion

We cover these approaches and more in our blog on DIY painting vs hiring professionals, which explores cost, quality, and safety comparisons.

How It Works at RE Decorators

  • Book a free quote and property inspection
  • Assess paint layers, substrate condition and any lead risk
  • Decide whether full stripping or partial prep is best
  • Use chosen removal methods (chemical, heat, sanding)
  • Repair damaged timber, gib or plaster, and prime
  • Finish with painting using low‑odor, premium products

From residential interior painting to commercial gib stopping, every project we take on follows this step-by-step method to ensure results that last.