Paint Scrapers
About Paint Scrapers
If you are somebody who often indulges in home improvement projects, then you ought to own a good paint scraper tool. It will let you remove paint from trims, walls and many other surfaces without putting in a lot of effort.
Some people say that a paint scraper is the best friend of a painter. This is in no way hyperbolic. If you want to add a fresh layer of paint to any surface and want it to stay there for a long time, painting over the old flaking layer of paint is not a wise option. This is the reason why all painters go through the difficult task of scraping off the old paint before repainting any surface; be it a wall or furniture. If you have a scraper, the task of removing paint can become significantly easier. Read this article before you start shopping for them. Having a better understanding of scrapers will help you make the right choices when you shop.
Best paint scrapers that you can buy
Professional painters usually use other tools along with paint scrapers to remove old layers of paint. These include wire brushes, hook scrapers, and heat guns to make the paint come off easily. But if you are a DIYer who only needs a repainting once a year, buying all of these might not make economic sense. In that case, it is better to look for a versatile paint scraper. But depending on your experience level and needs, the scraper you need also differs. Taking a look at the features and qualities of the best scrapers out, there will help you decide what kind of scraper you want for your personal use. Here is a list of four of the best scrapers in the market right now.
Titan Tools mini paint scraper tool
As you can probably tell from the name, this is a really compact scraper that you can easily carry around in your trouser pocket. These come with black and yellow polypropylene sleeves around the steel scraper. This also makes it easy to carry in a pocket and also to work with. However, the blade inside this package is pretty durable and heavy-duty. So, you don’t have to worry about the blade becoming blunt, or it chips off. Overall, this is a well built and compact paint scraper that you can last for a really long time. Because of its small size, it is great for scraping paint from otherwise hard to reach places.
Purdy Surface metal paint scraper
When it comes to tools, Purdy is a well-known brand. All of their products are usually of promising quality. And when it comes to their paint scraper, it is the same story. The blade of the scraper is of tungsten carbide, which is twice as strong and durable than steel. It also has a comfortable and easy to hold handle that is in no way compact. The handle is made from thick and durable steel. In fact, this scraper prioritises durability and ergonomics over compactness. However, the most interesting part is that this tool also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Porter-Cable power paint scraper
This scraper is different from any of the other paint scrapers in this list. Firstly, this is a power scraper. That means it runs by drawing electrical power from a regular wall AC outlet. And this makes it the best choice for professional painters who have to do a lot of scraping. Porter-Cable power paint scraper can make their work a lot easier and faster. Unlike the impression that people get by looking at this, it is not an expensive tool. It is pretty affordable for the money and adds a lot of value to professional painters. To make things even better, it also has a built-in vacuum.
Bahco long-handled paint scraper
If you are a painter who needs to scraper the paint off often but does not want to carry around a large power scraper, here is your next best choice. This is an easy-to-use scraper with a long and comfortable handle. Just like the Purdy Surface scraper, the blade in this scraper is made of carbide. That means you can use this for heavy-duty work without damaging the blade. Because the handle is very comfortable, you can easily apply an extra bit of force wherever you want to. Another attraction of this scraper is its versatility. Not only can you use it for scraping paint, but you can also use it for removing glue, chalk, varnish, or even mortar.
Tips on how to buy Paint Scrapers Online
Choosing the right paint scraper is a lot harder than it might seem at first. Because there are hundreds of different models, it is indeed hard to pick the right one among them. All that being said, how do you really choose a scraper that is good for your use? Well, it is easy to figure out if you know what criteria to consider when you are shopping. Here are a few tips that you can use when you are buying scrapers. It will help you narrow down your options when it comes to them.
- Size of the blade – Consider the size of the blade when you are shopping for scrapers. A larger blade is not always the best option. Sometimes, you need a smaller blade to work in tight spaces and edges. For example, a medium-sized two-inch blade is great for scraping paint or varnish from the furniture. However, a wider blade will help you cover more area in less amount of time.
- Edge of the blade – There are two types of edges when it comes to scrapers. There are double-edged scrapers that have sharp edges on both sides. That way, you can scrape in both directions by pulling and pushing. This type of edge is better for beginners. However, if you need more control over the work, then you should get a single-edged blade.
- Comfort and ergonomics – One thing that you should always consider when you are shopping is how comfortable it is to use. This is especially important for professional people who will be working on large projects. Not only should you be able to work fast, you should also be able to do so without hurting your hand.
- Material of the blade – The part of a scraper that does most of the work is the blade itself. Therefore, it is the blade that experiences the most wear and tear in a scraper. But if the material of the blade is durable and strong, the wear and tear can be significantly reduced. Stainless steel blades are relatively cheap and resistant to rust. However, they do become blunt fast. Carbide blades are a lot better.
Besides a paint scraper, you will need a few other paint supplies as well if you want to repaint your house or a garage. These include spray paints, paintbrushes, fettling knives, paint bins, paint rollers and many more. The good news is that you can find all of them easily here using our products search engine. That way, you can also compare the prices and features of different products and choose the best one among them. Also, don’t forget to check out other amazing products from the DIY category.
Question & Answer
Should you scrape off the old paint before repainting?
Scraping off old paint is a nightmare for all the DIYers out there who are mulling over repainting their house or anything else. Some people prefer to paint over old paint instead of removing the old paint. However, the problem with painting over the old paint is that the new layer of paint will flake off easily. Also, the old paint tends to poke out through the new layer. As the old saying goes, if you do it well, you only have to do it once. So, it is always recommended to scraper off the old paint thoroughly and make the surface smooth before putting on the new layer of paint.
Are paint scrapers necessary?
Technically, you can use any sharp and strong material to scrape off the paint. It can be a sharp and straight piece of metal. However, if you want to do a good job without hurting your hands, you need a dedicated paint scraper. Apart from a regular scraper, professional painters use other tools such as heat gun, hook scrapers, and wire brush to scrape paint. But a paint scraper is the most versatile tool among all of these. So, if you only want to spend money on any one of these, the best option is to buy a versatile paint scraper with a medium-sized blade.
How do you sharpen a paint scraper?
A scraper is a lot like a piece of sheet metal. The difference is that a scraper is designed specifically for a purpose. Therefore, it is common for paint scrapers to lose their sharpness after a few months of continuous usage. Blunt scrapers do a terrible job of cleaning the paint. So, you need to sharpen it wherever it goes. The easiest way to sharpen a scraper is using sandpaper and a fine file. Take the file and run it over the edge of the blade a few times. You can use the sandpaper to smoothen the blades.
If you are looking to buy paint scrapers online in the UAE, look no further as you are in the right place. There are more than 500 shops and brands offering them here on Shops.ae. These include brands like Bahco, Stanley, Festool, Wulf, Ace, and Ford.