How can I clean up my black vent hood after using paint stripper so it’s smooth enough to prime and finish?
Asked by میلاد رضایی 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 26, 2024
Hey there! So I made a bit of a mistake with my vent hood. I should have just primed and painted it, but instead, I tried using paint stripper and now it’s just smearing everywhere. I’m worried that sanding it will make it worse. Any tips on how to clean it up and make it smooth enough to prime and paint? I let it sit with plastic wrap on it, and some parts came off easily, but most didn’t. Turns out my hood isn’t solid wood like I thought, it’s some kind of compressed wood. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like it might be made of MDF. May I ask which paint stripper you used?
Oh , using Citristrip again? 🤦🏽♀️
Hey , do you know if they carry Jasco at Home Depot? It should completely strip off the finish
Might be a good idea to remove it instead of patching it at this stage
Hey , I can definitely take a look. I just need to get rid of the remaining mess so I can sand it down and attempt to paint..
My experience with citristrip was absolutely terrible. I had to completely replace what I was trying to strip…
Hey , that’s really unfortunate to hear! I feel for you. I’m starting to lose hope, but I’m going to give it another shot and remove whatever’s left. The cost of replacing this hood nowadays is just too high.. wish me luck
Looks like the trim is the only part that’s actually solid wood. The rest seems to be particle board, just as you mentioned. Unfortunately, it’s pretty much beyond repair. At this point, I’d recommend tearing it down and getting a new one
I think MDF would be the best choice, ph.
Make sure to sand it down until it’s nice and smooth. Once that’s done, apply a coat of primer and then paint over it. If you have a detail sander, that would be the most effective tool to use.
No need for primer with this paint. Simply sand off any loose particles and prep the surface. Check out their website for additional tips. It’s fantastic! All-In-One Paint by Heirloom Traditions roup
This👆🏼. It’s truly amazing!
To start, sand off the worst imperfections and fill in with bondo wood putty. After sanding, apply a shellac-based primer. For any remaining pinholes, use glazing putty and then prime again. Paint with a flat finish to easily spot any remaining imperfections. Thin glazing putty with acetone and brush over imperfections if needed. Buff with high grit sandpaper before painting again. Finish off with a clear coat of your choice.
You can use mineral spirits and steel wool to remove the sticky residue, then sand it down after it dries. Finally, make sure to prime and paint it.
To save yourself from all the trouble… It might be best to just bite the bullet and go ahead with the replacement
The cost is really high 😩
I always consider the balance between cost and time. Is buying new items really better than investing a significant amount of time and effort into something that may not meet your expectations in the end? Just something to think about…
Consider this one a learning experience that didn’t quite go our way. Many of us have been in the same boat before. Swap it out.
Remove that from the wall and put a new one on. It will save you half the time
Yep, is spot on. Using primed pine, a piece of plywood, and some crown would definitely make things easier.
Absolutely, without a doubt
So, are you thinking of creating one? What are your thoughts?
I’m always ready to make one from scratch. I do this professionally, so I’ll just replicate the measurements of the existing one.
Oh, I see now, . Alright, if I throw the towel in, I’ll just plan around trying to make one. Thanks for the help!
Prior to sanding, remove any leftover stripper residue using mineral spirits
I believe this is the approach I will take, . It is way too expensive to replace. ☹️
Smooth out with sandpaper
Before diving into similar projects in the future, make sure to do your research first. It’ll save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
Did you attempt to scrape off the sticky areas with a scraper before cleaning with mineral spirits and sandpaper?
It may be a lost cause, but I know getting a replacement is not an option
Yep, I’ve been scraping since 8:30am.. took a few breaks.
I plan on getting some mineral spirits tomorrow 😊
Try using a razor blade along with a heat gun.
If you allow it to dry, the citrus peel will become crusty and you can simply sand it away. It might create a mess, but it will eventually come off.
I’m going to give another shot at the dried spots. I attempted earlier and it ended up smearing everywhere!
I’ve discovered that the heat gun is the most effective, it causes everything to bubble up.
I’ll make sure to check out a heat gun once I’m done with the remaining stripper! Maybe I should have gone that route or just primed 🤦🏽♀️
Now I know for sure for my island that’s also black!
How about giving the surface a light sanding with a finer grit on a sander, then priming and repainting? Another idea is to cover it with a stylish vinyl wallpaper or a peel-and-stick backsplash for a fresh new look!
I’ve had success using Citristrip in the past, but the last time I used it, the results were terrible. They must have changed the formula. Try scraping, sanding, and using mineral spirits to remove it. If it has soaked into the actual wood, you may have a bigger problem on your hands.
Using a heat gun can really make a difference. Just make sure you have some good scrapers on hand. If you’re able to invest in a multitool, it can work wonders for sanding and be useful for various tasks around the house
I’ve applied paint remover to ‘imitation wood’
I had to do it 2 or 3 times, then I cleaned off the remaining residue with mineral spirits.
If this is only after one application of remover, you just have to do it again.
Oh, got it! That’s exactly what I’m working on. Thanks a lot!
I’m sorry, but at this stage, the cost of fixing it would be higher than buying a new one. My suggestion would be to take it down and use it as a stencil to create a replacement. Best of luck.
There’s paint stripper and then there’s paint stripper after-wash. I would recommend using after-wash to neutralize any remaining paint stripper. Try applying the paint stripper to small sections, like 12″ x 12″, at a time. Once you see the stripper starting to work on the paint, scrape it off instead of letting it sit for too long. You might need to repeat the process in certain areas. After you’re finished, clean it off with the paint stripper after-wash before sanding, priming, and repainting. Best of luck.
Yeah, I would suggest reaching out to a painter to get an estimate on that
Reconstruct it
You really lucked out with the safety stripper. Pick up a few cans of the Kwik strip and a roll of paper towels. Scrape off the residue with a putty knife, wipe the knife and the easy areas with towels. Apply prep-all to the entire surface before sanding.
Does it seem strange that I actually enjoy it this way 🤣
That’s so strange! 🤣
UPDATE:
I’m still at it. Applying more stripper, scraping, and sanding. The top is shaping up nicely! The front is a bit of a challenge, but I’ve sanded it down enough for primer. I believe I’m making progress. I’m determined to see it through instead of shelling out hundreds or a grand for a new hood. Keep your fingers crossed for me! 🤦🏽♀️😂
The MDF bottom wood could possibly be saved. I’ll test a small area with primer to see if it covers well… or I might apply wood putty and sand it smooth before painting. Appreciate all the advice from everyone! Strange that mineral spirits are out of stock near me… I’ll try again tomorrow!
I can’t help but chuckle at myself. That’s just how it goes.
Seriously, you have to try this paint!
Check out My old door!
All-In-One Paint by Heirloom Traditions roup
It’s going to feel amazing once you finish…all the struggles to get there will be a distant memory lol
Wait, are you suggesting painting over it with all the grime and residue from the strip? I don’t have to sand it down?! 😳
Visit the page with your photo for more tips. Priming is usually not necessary. I didn’t prime! But you do need to remove any loose paint etc.
We lightly sanded the door in rough areas and then used the surface prep (essential) to help remove the gunk!
But the paint covers a large area. et some feedback on your photos! If anything can salvage it, this can, but if not, it’s probably beyond saving!
I concur with AIO Heirloom Traditions Paint is definitely the best and simplest paint I have ever used. I absolutely won’t use anything else.
I will mention that you still need to smooth out any rough or uneven surfaces.
This paint serves as a paint/primer/topcoat all rolled into one.
Once you achieve a smooth surface, I still recommend cleaning it with their deglosser to ensure all chemical residue is gone. After cleaning, you’re good to start painting. Check out their video tutorials. You’ll be amazed by this paint.
You should use a heat gun along with a scraper and a bit of sandpaper.
Make sure to test for lead if the paint was applied before 1978. And remember, never use a heat gun on paint that contains lead.
One of my recent clients had their previous contractor prime a stained door before staining it. I used a sand blaster for the grooves and a festool square sander for the flat areas. Best of luck with your project!
Try using paint stripper, boiling water mixed with dishwasher liquid, super coarse steel wool, and heavy duty rubber gloves. Apply the paint stripper, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then scrub away with the steel wool and hot water. No need to sand, just rinse off and let it dry… you’ll see the results, I promise.
I used a sponge with soapy water earlier and it worked like a charm on the remaining goo! Didn’t have steel wool, but same concept, thanks! 😊
Glad you’re having happy days 😃👍
Does anyone else find this appealing? 😭
It’s actually quite cool if that’s the aesthetic you’re aiming for, . I personally find it appealing.
CitriStrip
Coles, that’s the product responsible for this?
Oh wow, ! The tub of paste covered with Saran Wrap removed multiple layers on the inside of my front door? Did you use some sort of spray too?
The process involves scraping, rather than sanding or rubbing. Once you are done scraping, proceed to sand with a grit of around 60.
When you use planer shavings, they absorb the residue and work as an abrasive to remove anything that is stuck. You may still need to scrape or sand to eliminate any remaining debris and prepare for the next step.