During and After ~ Eventually, historic linseed oil paint removal is necessary on the exterior of a house. The chemical reaction that allows liquid linseed oil to become a solid film, making it a useful vehicle for paint pigments, never stops. This causes the oil film to become brittle and start cracking and separating from the base material over time.
It can be a century or more before the first layer of paint begins to fail in a significant way, especially if it has been repainted regularly. Once it begins in earnest, the only good way to get a lasting paint job is to remove all the paint back to wood and start over. Removing all the layers of paint also exposes the crisp detail of the trim that had been lost over time.
This door hood was stripped with a traditional heat gun and scraper. Safer infrared heat strippers have become common in recent years, but heat guns are still available. Liquid and gel strippers are also options. Whatever method is used, lead-safe guidelines should be followed.
Infrared heat for siding and soy gel for moldings are my preferred methods, as outlined and shown in “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors, including Virginia McAlester’s classic “A Field Guide to American Houses” (revised edition). Save on cost and shipping with our multi-book combo packs!
“Restoring Your Historic House is also available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
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