How to Remove Paint From Lintels

Along with maintenance and repairing, lintels might also require repainting to freshen up the aesthetics of a building. To ensure a high-quality job and provide a smooth finish, it is essential to remove any old paint before applying a fresh layer. 

There are different types of lintels according to the material they are made of, such as: 

• Steel lintels 
• Stone lintels 
• Concrete lintels 

Each material absorbs paint differently, hence how you remove paint depends on the type of lintel you have. 

How to remove paint from steel lintels 

• Steel lintels usually support the façade above a window, so it is essential they are well maintained. If the steel lintel shows signs of significant deterioration that could threaten the structural stability of a wall, it should be replaced completely. 
• Old paint can be easily removed from steel lintels by scraping and, if necessary, wire brushing. A well-maintained lintel should be primed and painted to help prevent corrosion from outdoor elements. 

How to remove paint from stone lintels 

• Stone lintels have a protective layer, called patina, accumulated after several years of exposure to the elements. When removing paint from stone lintels, it’s important to choose a method that does not destroy the protective callous. 
• One preferred way of removing paint from stone lintels is through chemical softeners, followed by a high-pressure stone cleaning system. This will remove all traces of paint and prepare the area for a fresh coat. 

How to remove paint from concrete lintels 

• When it comes to removing paint from concrete lintels, the most popular method is to scrape the loose paint as well as possible before removing the remaining colour with a paint stripper solution. 
• Tradesmen recommend brushing the paint stripper onto the concrete lintel and let it sit for 24 hours for the paint to come off efficiently. 

If you are unsure about the products you need to remove old paint from lintels, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable staff at 020 8254 0066.