Safely removing old emulsion from upvc? door frame

twopenny

So I tried an online search and everything from paint stripper to soap. Seems a tad unlikely that some ideas would be damage free.

I have a door frame with dried on emulsion paint and would like it clean. Tried gently scraping with a blunt knife but it leaves black scratch marks however careful.

I've been told somewhere olive oil,but can't find that on the net.

WD40, soap, vinegar et al.

Can anyone who has experience of this tell me a safe way to do it please?

Circa 2000 double glazed kitchen door and probably cheap judging by some of the rest of the place. No idea what it's made of but quality it ain't.

ThisIsWeird

Is this just an overlapping paint edges, or has it been fully painted over?
Anyway, have you tried...... water? Get a trigger spray bottle, fill with water and a few drops of washing up liquid to 'wet' it more, and wetten the paint. Keep applying to keep it damp. Then try scraping with a sharp wooden edge - even a piece of 2x1.

twopenny

Ok, think I can do that
I'll give it a go tomorrow.

It's an overlap but almost half way in places and all ragged all the way up and thick. 
Someone did it blindfold I think.

carly

A hard plastic wedged  scraper might do it.....similar to one used when defrosting a freezer.

twopenny

Good thinking Carley. I have a sturdy one of those.

ThisIsWeird

That sounds ideal.
If you want a clean line, then you can try lightly running a craft knife down the paint - a light touch should see it cut through the paint most way, and it should hopefully remove clean to that.
Since you have a good plastic scraper, then try it dry first - it might do the trick. If not, then try to dampening.

gwynlas

Once you have the thickest part done you could use a gentle nylon scourer pad with warm water and washing up liquid.

twopenny

Ok, I've made a start with warm water a freezer scraper and it's hard going but the thinnest bit off with no damage.

Also ran the point of a knife gently down which has worked in places. Seems to be randomly used caulking or some such on the frame and painted over.
I've finished the bits I got off with an old, soft worn scourer which has bought those bits up well.

The wind has got up and i need to be upside down and half out the door to get the worst bit so best on a warm sunny day so I don't get impatient.

Thank you everyone, looks like it's going to be fine    I tried each of those things before but not in conjunction.

Albermarle

Circa 2000 double glazed kitchen door and probably cheap judging by some of the rest of the place. No idea what it's made of 

In the post title you said it was uPVC ?

Betterthanlife

Methylated spirits work well on emulsion paint I found

twopenny

Albermale I have no idea what it's made of. Hence the question mark.
It's just the usual white double glazed kitchen door.

Better, wouldn't that damage the door?