On many occasions we've encountered homeowners who thought sandblasting wood siding was a good way to get rid of layers of old paint. In other cases we've met homeowners who had this process done (or did it themselves) in the past.
Why is sandblasting your house to remove paint a terrible idea?
- It damages the wood
- It's expensive and doesn't necessarily mean a longer lasting paint job
- It's impossible to do so and comply with the EPA
Sandblasting damages wood shingles and clapboard
Wood shingles and clapboard with heavy layers of paint are more than likely decades old. Sandblasting is an intense procedure where sand granules are presurized with air and shot at high speeds against a surface. When it comes to old wood siding, expect heavy damage and scarring from sandblasting.
Sandblasting is expensive and won't result in a long-lasting paint job
Homeowners dishing out thousands of dollars for sandblasting and then thousands of dollars for a new paint job usually do so because their house won't hold paint. They also expect that sandblasting to bare wood will solve the peeling paint issue and that they can expect 5-10 years from their next paint job. However sandblasting will neither solve the problem nor provide a significantly longer paint cycle. Paint peels because of moisture problems--usually from an underlying internal or external moisture source or condensation. Sandblasting doesn't address this issue and so the peeling paint will persist.
Sandblasting doesn't comply with EPA paint removal standards
The EPA and local health departments are stricter than ever on how old paint is removed. In order be in compliance with paint removal standards, a painting contractor must collect and properly dispose of all of the residue and scrapings from the surface preparation. When the loose paint is blasted into tiny pieces it's impossible to keep them from entering the air and soil around the house.
