Porridge as emulsion paint remover?

[MoonlightandRoses]

Have an amount of plain Edwardian cornicing, intricate ceiling roses and some decorative fascia that need what looks like several hundred layers of paint removing.

Ideally don't want either steam or caustic soda used in the stripping so was thinking would DIY for this and have just come across a few sites recommending porridge - has anyone here tried this?

Also, any other slightly greener methods than PeelAway type stuff?

We used a porridge mix to strip paint off bannisters years ago. It does work, but from what I can recall it is messy and needed more than one coat to strip paint back to woodwork. Don't envy your task. Could you try hiring a blow torch, might be more effective?

Thanks, good to know it works.

Don't mind the mess too much (there is currently a v.v.horrible 70's style carpet in situ I would quite like an excuse for removing) - we can't do the torch route as I'm fairly sure several of the layers will contain lead.

If it is Edwardian, it is probably emulsion over distemper over whitewash. Unless there is gloss paint there will not be lead.

Some colours, such as green, may contain other harmful materials.

Water and a soft brush may get it off. It is probably fibrous plaster, so getting it thoroughly wet will soften it.

p.s.

A blowtorch will break the plaster off, but not paint, unless it is gloss or oil paint.

OK. Just had a look at some porridge recipes, and I'm sure I used a porridge/caustic soda mix, which I noticed you don't want to use. Not sure how effective porridge on its own would be. Especially as you have Corniche's etc.

You could always try the porridge, see how effective it is, then try something else if its ineffective.

Good luck with it.

Thank you both! Will do some testing of water & porridge (separately) over the long week-end and see how it goes.

@MoonlightandRoses I know it was rather a long time ago, but do you remember if the porridge worked?