Paint Stripping - Latest Technology / Magic Wand ???

Nitromors.

It's relatively pernicious stuff and will remove all the layers of paint but may need more than one application. Generally on a relatively flat surface without twiddly bits like this, it should work well.

There is a chemical solvent in a gel, the gel being to stop it evaporating too quickly. It can be made much more effective by treating smallish areas (maybe 0.5m^2 at a time) and covering in cling film.

The carpet will need to be removed and the floor below protected very well with plastic sheet.

You need plenty of ventilation, so this is the right time of year to do the job. Also it will wreck cotton clothes if left in contact so old ones are needed. Disposable plastic gloves are important too. It will burn on the skin after a while if allowed to contact it. I always keep a bucket of water handy as well, just in case. Water stops its action immediately and is useful if you accidentally get any on your hands.

Nitromors and baco (tin foil) dampened down over the nitromors to keep it moist whilst it burns through the paint. As stated you could use cling film but tin foil is a better as it doesn't peel off as does cling film

I'm sure that Andy and the 3rd Earl are right about Nitromors.

But I was concerned about the newels and handrails. Are you replacing them with something different? If not, you staircase will be in breach of building regs. [Actually, the LHS looks as if it may be, already!]

Nitromors will go straight through cling film, or any plastic. I think Andy was referring to the water based surfactant type of stripper. Never used it but I guess it's the same thing I've seen the council use on graffiti

I would have thought dismantling it and sending it to a stripper would be the quickest way in the long run. Doesn't look like it would be too difficult

The RHS looks as if it would pass a 100mm sphere, so is non compliant anyway.

Is the glass on the LHS safety glass?

No it's fine with cling film and not the toy version either......

Existing house...... Building regulations not retroactive..... ???

Hmmm - No magic wand then...

BTW - Floor and carpet have already gone...

Thanks for the advice. I think Nitromors was arount 30 years ago. Is this and improved version or the same stuff?

Thanks for your help, Roy

Yes - the handrails are to be replaced - you are correct - they are not compliant. The LH side is not compliant either.. as you can see it's sort of open plan with no rail etc. The gap between the stringer and the glass is also more than 100mm.

When I'm done the RH side will be compliant. I'm not intending to do anything with the LH side. I could add another set of spindles and a hand rail but that would look awful.

Not sure about the glass - they are big double glazed units.

We have been in the house 18 years and three boisterous boys have grown up in it, survived and flown the nest.....

Do I need to notify BC if fitting new hand rails/spindles?

Thanks, Roy

There are a few variants for different purposes, but broadly the recipe is the same.