Removing layers of paint over front door steps

[fathertobe]

Our front door is on a raised ground floor. The steps (seven of them) are covered in grey paint which has been poorly applied (over red paint) and is chipping away and generally looking a bit of a mess.

Underneath it's a sand/cement finish - gawd knows how old (house is 1850s) and I either want to:
a) return it to that original finish and leave as it is
b) return it to a state where I can paint it (well)

Anyone any experience of this? I'm wondering whether I need a high pressure washer or something more serious like a sandblaster.

Or maybe, just some Nitromors and elbow grease!

Thanks.

 

[joe-90]

A pressure washer won't shift it and nitromorse is likely to ingrain the residue into the stone. Sandblasting is the only real way to do it.

 

[fathertobe]

Thanks. What kind of company offers that service typically? Or can I hire the tools and do it myself?

Anyone any experience?

 

[joe-90]

You can hire them but you have to kit up pretty well for H&S reasons.

 

[Robbie uk]

And your neighbours will love you for the dust....LOL It can also take off the protective face of the surface underneath aswell.