Design Vogue

Paint is challenging to remove from surfaces. With many methods available—scraping, stripping, sanding, and more—it's worth asking if you can use a steam cleaner to remove paint, as well.

Steaming isn't recommended for removing paint on most surfaces around the home. It can remove paint from metal, concrete, and brick, though other methods may work better.

Where to Avoid Using a Steam Cleaner

Anthony Kulikowski, a professional painter for nearly 30 years, says that steam is not used for stripping residential paint.

"I have never heard of anyone doing this or seen a situation where this would be a good idea," Kulikowski says. "In fact, it may cause damage to wood surfaces if not done properly."

Most surfaces around the home are poor candidates for stripping with a steam cleaner because the water will swell or degrade the materials.

Ryan Parr, a professional painter, agrees that steaming isn’t typically part of the process for removing paint. But he says that there are cases where it can be useful, such as softening old, stubborn paint layers, making it easier to scrape or lift off. 

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Siding

Plywood panels, wood shiplap, and cedar shakes are the most common types of siding materials that might be painted. All are made from organic materials and would be damaged by a steam cleaner.

Another popular type of siding material, fiber-cement or cement board, contains 90-percent inorganic materials. But the remaining 10-percent is made from cellulose (wood) fibers, which could be damaged by steam.

Interiors

Walls and ceilings are made of drywall and wood. Drywall is made of paper and compressed gypsum. All materials are either organic or highly porous, making them poor surfaces for stripping with a steamer.

Where to Strip Paint With a Steamer

Paint can be removed from metal, masonry, and other surfaces with a steam cleaner.

Tubs and Showers

Refinished bathtubs and showers are the only areas within the home that Kulikowski says might qualify as candidates for stripping with a steam cleaner.

Yet refinishing material is an epoxy coating, so it may be tough to remove with steam. Tub refinishers generally sand the surface to scuff it down or use liquid paint strippers.

Thick Paint on Trim

The best situation for using steam on wood, Parr says, is when dealing with very thick, built-up layers of paint that resist traditional stripping or scraping methods.

"It can be particularly useful for painted wood trim, baseboards, or cabinetry where you want to avoid using harsh chemicals that might damage the wood," Parr says.

Metal Siding and Roofs

Metal roofing or siding retroactively painted with latex paint may be stripped with a steam cleaner. However, the original, factory-applied paint is a baked-on powder coating that cannot be removed with steam.

Concrete

It's safe to remove paint from concrete with a steam cleaner. If you have paint on concrete pathways or pavers, first try removing it with a paint scraper, wire brush, or power washer before using steam.

Brick

Removing paint from brick with steam is generally safe, though it is best to try a chemical paint stripper first.

How to Use a Steam Cleaner to Strip Paint

Most consumer-grade steam cleaners heat to around 212°F and work well for cleaning difficult debris on moisture-safe surfaces like tile. For paint removal, though, look for a commercial-grade pressurized steam cleaner. 

Pressures on electrically powered commercial-grade units can exceed 180 psi, and temperatures surpass the boiling point (380°F). For pressures up to 1,300 psi, look for propane-powered commercial steam cleaners. As these machines cost over $6,000, search local rental yards for rental units.

Other Ways to Remove Paint

Given the difficulty of using a steam cleaner to remove paint and the possibility of damage, it's usually best to use other options:

• Scraper: Use a rigid putty knife or a painter's five-in-one scraping tool to remove loose paint.
• Heat gun: An electric heat gun softens and loosens the paint-to-surface bond, allowing you to scrape the paint more easily.
• Liquid stripper: The best paint strippers for safety are citrus-based, though they take longer to work than chemical-based strippers.
• Electric sander: If you can't lift off the paint, grind it away with a random orbital electric sander.