is it possible to remove paint from plaster?

[jesyca]

Hi
my sister has moved into a house recently and the fire surround/matlepiece is made of plaster, however the previous owner has painted this a colour that she is not keen on, we think the paint is of a emulsion type, its definatly not gloss . so is it possible to remove the paint back to the original plaster colour , we are presuming it was white, she could paint over it, but would like to remove the present colour first as it isnt a good job, thanks for any help.

[ummmm]

Just sand it back and re-paint.

[ChuckFickens]

Yep, just sand it back, primer it and repaint.

[Bluestone]

Maybe sand it?

[Old_Geezer]

I think it unlikely you could lift the paint off. I concur with those above. Sand only as much as you need to make a smooth surface, then simply paint over the top.

[jesyca]

Hi
thanks for your answers, the top of the mantle we could sand probably but it has a design on most of the other areas, particularly the legs of it, that would be nigh on impossible to sand, we were wondering if a paint stripper would work? or would this damage the plaster? thanks again

[beejay1124]

paint stripper woudnt work with emulsion

[Old_Geezer]

Some times you just need to try something. Worth a try.

That said if you sand carefully you ought not damage the relief design. If you are unable to keep that steady a hand then maybe it would be best to put up with the existing surface ?

[Bluestone]

I think you'll be surprised.
Just gently rub it over, and the paint should come off quite easily.

[owdhamer]

]Paint over with several coatsbof desired colour

[jesyca]

many thanks to all of you, we will try sanding with fine paper and see how we go.
thanks again to all for your answers and help.

[theshedman]

Nitromors do a paint remover for textured paint which is water based like emulsion, you could try that. As with any of these products though make sure you have plenty of ventilation when using them.

[The Builder]

A pressure washer with a sand-blasting attachment would do it easily....... might be a bit messy for the sitting room though :o(