Removing crusty layers of old paint from detailed woodwork, like a fireplace surround, can be tiresome at best. At worst, it can result in hours of fiddly labour and generate mediocre results. The intricate grooves and edges of all different widths and depths present a unique and difficult challenge that even the most seasoned paint removal expert may find off-putting. But expert challenges require expert solutions.

If you’re repainting or restoring a wooden fireplace surround, one of the first steps is removing the old paint. Preparation is key to success for any DIY project, and when working with a piece so vital to the home, it’s absolutely necessary you do all you can to ensure a flawless finish. It’s not a shortcut to paint over the existing paint layers when the results are less than perfect.

You can remove paint from a wooden fireplace surround in three ways. Sanding, heating, or using a chemical paint stripper. Sanding and heating are both labour-intensive paint-removal methods, but more than that, they’re also likely to damage the surface material. If you’re working with soft wood, you run the risk of damaging your fireplace surround, even without an accidental slip. They’re also unlikely to complete the job effectively, as you may struggle to get into the more complex details of the woodwork. Leaving old paint behind in the grooves will undoubtedly result in a poor final result.

Chemical paint strippers are a better option, however these come with their own risks and challenges. If you choose to use a chemical paint stripper for any paint removal project, you first need to make sure that the solution will not harm the base material. Aggressive chemical paint stripper formulations can erode surfaces. If you’re working with a surface you want to protect every detail of, like a wooden fireplace surround, you should be confident the product you choose will only attack the paint – not the surface below. On top of that, many are reluctant to use traditional chemical paint strippers as they contain harmful chemicals.

But there is one paint removal product on the market that can complete this intricate paint stripping job to the highest standard, Peel Tec. Peel Tec’s gel-like solution works with a powerful clinical effectiveness on wood, removing layers of old paint in one simple shake and squeeze of the can. Distributing Peel Tec is that easy ­– and it’s even easier to remove the residue. Just take a cloth or scraping tool of your choice to reveal the clean, paint-free surface below. To watch Peel Tec’s paint removal power in action on a wooden Georgian fireplace, watch this video.

Plus, Peel Tec is formulated with no harmful chemicals and emits no dangerous vapours. Making it both the easiest and safest choice for paint removal available.

Peel Tec is such a popular choice for paint stripping and decorating projects, and it’s easy to get your hands on a can. It’s even available in Wickes! Head to your local branch or visit their website to grab yours and get stuck into your next paint removal project.