Sanding walls - any alternative?

[Janette]

We just removed some plate racks from 2/3rds of the way up our living room walls. Many layers of paint had been applied up to the underside of the racks over the years, but not above them. Now we have a ridge of paint all way round the walls and it is taking many weekends to try to sand down. We had thought of, and dismissed, paint stripper as an alternative to hurry the job along. Does anyone have any other suggestions apart from re-plastering? Thanks

[Hammer]

What about polyfiller? Cover the ridge with as little filler as possible and then sand that down. It's much easier than sanding the paint.

[Elfin]

Use a heavy duty scraper blade to chisel the ridge off (working horizontally along the line). You sometimes end up with a few gouges, but these are easy to fill. I've done it before and it worked for me. Don't forget it's just paint - exert your authority over it and don't let it defeat you!

[darth vader]

an electric sander should burst through it no problem (not expensive anymore in most DIYs - remember to buy plenty sandpapers as they wear down quickly) or alternatively hire an industrial sander. finally have you thought about a blow torch? it will bubble the paint which then scrapes off with ease

[darth vader]

actually ignore the blowtorch idea - assuming they used vinyl matt/silk or immulsion then i don't think this will work (but maybe worth a try?)

[Janetex]

We had to gouge stuff off our walls and fill it later. Turned out fine