Scrapers & Putty Knives
Scrapers remove paint, adhesive, caulk, labels and gunk. Putty knives spread and smooth fillers. They seem simple, but razor scrapers cause deep cuts, and scraping old paint can expose you and your family to lead.
- Construction
- Painting
- Maintenance
Know the tools
- Putty knife: flexible blade for spreading filler and glazing compound.
- Stiff scraper: for removing loose paint and residue.
- Razor scraper: holds a single-edge razor blade for glass, tile and paint. Very sharp.
- Long-handled floor scraper: for flooring, adhesive and roofing.
- Multi-tool (5-in-1 or painter’s tool): scraper, opener and roller cleaner in one.
Safe scraping
- Push away from your body, and keep your other hand behind the blade.
- Keep scraper angles low and use steady pressure. Jabbing makes the blade skip.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves for razor scraping, and safety glasses or goggles, especially when scraping overhead or at eye level.
- Retract or cover razor blades as soon as you stop. Use scrapers with retractable blades.
- Put used blades in a blade bank or sealed container, never loose in the trash.
- Don’t use a scraper or putty knife as a pry bar, chisel or screwdriver. The blade can snap or slip.
- Don’t carry an uncovered razor scraper in your pocket.
Old paint: assume lead
Paint in homes and buildings built before 1978 may contain lead. Dry scraping makes lead dust that you can breathe and carry home.
- Test the paint or assume it contains lead.
- Mist the surface with water before scraping, and collect chips on plastic sheeting.
- Clean up with a HEPA vacuum and wet wipes, never dry sweeping.
- Paid work in pre-1978 homes requires lead-safe certification. See Lead-Safe (RRP) Renovators and Lead.
Heat guns and chemical strippers
- Heat guns soften paint for scraping but can start fires in walls and release lead fumes if too hot. Keep them below 1,100°F, and never use open flames. See Heat Guns.
- Chemical strippers can contain hazardous solvents. Read the label and ventilate. See Solvents.
Floor scrapers
Long-handled scrapers are hard on your back and shoulders. Keep your back straight, use your legs, keep the blade sharp, and take breaks. Old flooring and mastic may contain asbestos; test before scraping. See Asbestos.
Before you scrape
- Paint age checked; lead-safe methods ready if needed
- Blade sharp and secure; razor guard working
- Safety glasses and gloves on
- Plastic sheeting down to catch chips
- Blade bank or container for used blades
Standards & references
Last updated: