I have some square posts outside my house that really need attention. The previous owner didn't take care of them properly and just painted over some areas that were rotting. I want to remove the paint, and if the damage isn't too severe, fill in the gaps with hardener and resin before priming and repainting. I'm wondering if it matters whether I use a random orbital sander or a belt sander for this job. I think the belt sander might help me strip the paint quickly, while the orbital could be better for finishing touches. Any thoughts or advice?
3 Answers
Depending on how bad the wood is, sometimes it’s actually faster to replace the posts instead of trying to salvage them. If they’re 4x4s supporting your porch, you’ll want to be careful. But trying to remove the paint first sounds like a solid plan to see just how much damage there is.
I’d be cautious using a belt sander on vertical surfaces like that; it can gouge the wood if you’re not super experienced. Instead, I recommend starting with a carbide scraper to pull off most of the paint quickly, then follow up with a random orbital sander to get everything nice and smooth before painting.
Totally agree! I was worried I might mess up the grain on the softer wood too.
Card scrapers are indeed underrated! Smart call.
Belt sanders can chew up the wood pretty quickly, so I’d say stick with the orbital sander for safety. It’s easier to control and less likely to cause damage. That said, if you really want to get paint off fast, just be careful!
Yeah, I hear you! I just want to see if it’s just surface rot before going for a full replacement.