I have a 100 year old house with 12 wooden steps outside. I 've used 3 coats of paint stripper and still not all the paint is off, I got a sander and used 60 grit sand paper, paint still won't come off... any more ideas?

Keep at it... in all those years you likely have a very think coating of paint. Try covering the stripper with a sheet of plastic drop cloth. It will prevent it from evaporating and help it work better for longer.

Other options you may have carry a great deal of risk and danger.

If the paint is very old, it definitely has Lead in it. Are you wearing a NIOSH approved respirator? I'd use a belt sander with 100 or 120, 60 eats up too much wood.

Due to the age of the home and the note from ma0641 I'd consider tearing out the steps, they are probably on their last leg anyway. You are not going to get into the corners or the risers very well with a belt snader so just replace.

Are you going to repaint the steps? If so then just prime with a tinted oil based primer and paint using exterior enamel.

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Originally Posted by pattyg2

Are you going to repaint the steps? If so then just prime with a tinted oil based primer and paint using exterior enamel.

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Thanks for the reply, I was going to use 2 coats of exterior primer with paint in one, and then 2 coats of satin polyurathane, what do you think

I would personally use an oil-based primer like Zinsser Cover Stain (stain blocker and bond coat)for interior/exterior. Poly doesn't hold up well outside and if you use a good exterior enamel like Behr in high gloss(looks more like a satin when applied) the steps should be good to go!

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Originally Posted by iris1

Thanks for the reply, I was going to use 2 coats of exterior primer with paint in one, and then 2 coats of satin polyurathane, what do you think

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Thanks Patty, will do with the Zinser and enamel... 1 or 2 coats of enamel, then a quick question is the enamel slip resistant seeing as it's on the front steps of the house?
Thanks
Iris

Enamels are slippery because the coat is so smooth. You can add a fine sand additive but it abrades the paint too. pattyg2 is right. No poly on steps. Helmsman or OLY is great on wooden doors though.

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Originally Posted by ma0641

Enamels are slippery because the coat is so smooth. You can add a fine sand additive but it abrades the paint too. pattyg2 is right. No poly on steps. Helmsman or OLY is great on wooden doors though.

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So what kind of paint would you suggest then for the steps, thought enamel might be too slippery

You can use an enamel, just not gloss. Primer and Satin would be my choice. Columns, trim and windows can be gloss.

The Behr exterior enamel I used on my benches was gloss but it looks like satin and it isn't slippery when wet.

There are abrasives you can sprinkle onto the still wet final coat to prevent slipping as well. Like a very fine sand.