EM Construction provides professional paint stripping services for masonry, metal, and wood surfaces on residential and commercial buildings throughout New York and New Jersey. Whether your building carries decades of accumulated paint layers, lead-based paint that must be safely removed, or failed coatings that must be cleared before refinishing, our team has the equipment and expertise to strip surfaces cleanly and safely.
Paint buildup is a common issue on older New York City buildings. Each generation of paint adds layers that eventually become too thick, lose adhesion, or trap moisture against the underlying substrate. Stripping a surface back to the bare material allows a fresh, properly bonded coating system to be applied, extending the life of the new paint and improving the building’s appearance dramatically.
Our Paint Stripping Services
Masonry Paint Stripping
Removing paint from brick, stone, stucco, and concrete is one of the most technically demanding stripping applications. Paint penetrates into the pores and texture of masonry, making complete removal difficult. We use chemical paint strippers specifically formulated for masonry, along with steam and mechanical methods where appropriate, to remove paint without damaging the underlying material. We avoid abrasive blasting on sensitive masonry to prevent surface erosion.
Metal Surface Stripping
Steel fire escapes, railings, lintels, and metal doors accumulate layers of paint that must be removed before new coatings can be applied properly. We strip metal surfaces using mechanical tools (wire brushing, needle scalers, angle grinders), abrasive blasting, or chemical strippers depending on the substrate and degree of soiling, following SSPC surface preparation standards.
Wood Surface Stripping
Exterior wood siding, trim, window sashes, and doors that carry thick, peeling paint are stripped using heat guns, chemical strippers, and mechanical scraping. We take care to avoid scarring or gouging wood surfaces during the stripping process, leaving a clean surface ready for priming.
Lead Paint Abatement (EPA RRP Compliant)
Buildings constructed before 1978 commonly contain lead-based paint. Disturbing lead paint without proper precautions creates serious health hazards, particularly for children. EM Construction follows EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requirements for all work that disturbs lead-based paint surfaces in pre-1978 buildings, including proper containment, dust suppression, worker protection, and waste disposal. We can connect you with certified lead paint inspectors and abatement contractors for full lead abatement projects.
Chemical Stripping
Chemical paint removers — solvent-based, caustic, and biochemical formulations — are applied to painted surfaces and allowed to dwell before the softened paint is removed mechanically. We select the safest effective chemical for each substrate and contain all stripper and paint waste for proper disposal in compliance with environmental regulations.
Steam Stripping
Steam — without chemicals — effectively softens and lifts some paint types from masonry and wood surfaces. It is particularly valued for historic preservation applications where chemical use is restricted and for surfaces where any chemical residue would be problematic.
Abrasive Methods (Where Appropriate)
For metal surfaces, abrasive blasting (dustless or open) achieves thorough paint and rust removal in a single operation, leaving a surface profile ideal for primer adhesion. We do not use abrasive blasting on sensitive masonry surfaces where it would cause damage.
Graffiti Removal
Fresh graffiti is best removed quickly, before the paint fully cures into the surface. We use a combination of chemical removers and steam to clear graffiti from masonry, metal, and other surfaces. For frequently targeted surfaces, we can apply anti-graffiti coatings that make future removal faster and easier.
Safety & Environmental Compliance
Paint stripping generates waste material that may contain lead, solvents, or other regulated substances. EM Construction manages all waste in compliance with EPA and NYC DEP regulations, including proper containment, collection, and disposal through licensed waste haulers.
Our Process
1. Surface Assessment — We evaluate the type of substrate, number of paint layers, adhesion conditions, and presence of lead paint to determine the appropriate stripping method.
2. Lead Testing — Where lead paint is suspected, we recommend testing before work begins to determine compliance requirements.
3. Containment Setup — Work areas are contained to prevent dust, debris, and chemical overspray from affecting adjacent areas, building occupants, or the public.
4. Stripping — The selected method is applied systematically to all surfaces.
5. Cleaning — Residue from the stripping process is removed and the surface is prepared for inspection.
6. Surface Inspection — Stripped surfaces are inspected to confirm completeness and identify any conditions (corrosion, decay, cracks) that require repair before repainting.
7. Waste Disposal — All waste is collected, documented, and disposed of in compliance with applicable regulations.
8. Recoating — Where included in scope, stripped surfaces are primed and repainted to specified systems.
Service Areas
EM Construction provides paint stripping services throughout all five New York City boroughs, Long Island, Westchester County, and northern New Jersey.
Get a Free Estimate
Clear the slate for a lasting new finish. Contact EM Construction today for a free assessment and estimate for your paint stripping project.