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Paint Remover FAQ’s discussed by Eco Solutions

When you want to redecorate and you need to remove the paint or surface on a wall or ceiling it is a tough job and you need to know everything you can to make sure you don’t make it harder for yourself. Our Paint Remover FAQ’s will tell you everything you need to know before you start the job which will make your preparation easy and enjoyable.

What is Paint Remover?

Paint removers are also referred to as paint strippers and its purpose is to remove layers of paint, varnish or coatings from a surface whilst also cleaning the underlying surface. Using paint remover is often quicker than sanding a surface down, it enables you to get into awkward areas and doesn’t create dust. It can be used for personal and trade use and is now used a lot for upcycling furniture although be aware that a lot of paint removers contain a lot of harmful chemicals and toxins.

What does Paint Remover do?

Paint Removers do exactly what it says and removes paint from a surface including floors, doors, doors frames and furniture inside or out.

Why would you need to use Paint Remover?

If you don’t remove the old layers of paint on a surface first then when you apply a coat of paint the surface won’t be smooth and flat and the old layers of paint will lift and flake which will lift and flake your new layers.

What can Paint Remover be used on?

Paint removers can be used on wood, metal and masonry. We would always advise that you do a patch test in an area that won’t be seen before you start to ensure it doesn’t damage or mark the surface you want to refresh.

How big an area can Paint Remover be used on?

It can be used on any sized area and we always advise that you use some on an area you cant see before you start the whole job to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface of the material you want to remove the paint from.

What does Paint Remover do?

Paint removers work by breaking down the surface paint so it can be easily scraped or wiped off. Paint remover should be applied to a small section at a time rather than attempting to strip the entire piece in one step.

How do you apply Paint Removers?

Apply a thick and even coat of paint remover over the surface of a small section using a cheap paintbrush. You would normally leave for around 20 – 30 minutes until the layers of paint start to bubble and lift but the instructions will tell you this. When it has bubbled and lifted you can gently remove it with a plastic scraper, being careful not to scratch the surface you are removing it from. If the paint layers are not coming off easily then apply a second coat of paint remover. Always wear gloves, wear clothes to ensure your skin is covered and goggles to protect your eyes when you are stripping paint.

What is in most Paint Removers?

Common chemicals and solvents used in paint removers include; methylene chloride, acetone, toluene, methanol, N-methyl-pyrrolidone, sodium hydroxide and ammonia hydroxide as well as solvents including; isopropyl alcohol, acetone, lacquer thinner and epoxy. These ingredients are harmful if they come into contact with your skin, eyes or if inhaled so you should research your paint removing product thoroughly before you start. Trade Strip Paint and Varnish Remover is a revolutionary unique innovative water-based paint stripper that is safer to use and the environment compared to conventional hazardous paint remover solvents.

Can Paint Removers be used to remove all types of paint?

Paint removers should remove both oil and water based paint, powder paints, lacquers, enamels & polyurethanes from metal surfaces, however, it does depend on the product that you use so always check the label first.

Can I use Paint Remover at home or do I need a specialist to do it?

You can use paint removers at home but you should always read the instructions carefully and wear protective clothing to cover your skin and eyes. Try using Trade Strip Paint Remover which is a water-based, non-toxic and non-hazardous paint stripper which makes it safe to use as well as being very effective.

Are Paint Removers harmful?

The majority of paint removers contain strong chemicals and solvents and these can be harmful to your skin, eyes and when inhaled. Trade Strip Paint Remover is a water-based, non-toxic and non-hazardous paint stripper which makes it safe to use as well as being very effective.

Are Paint Removers toxic?

Most traditional paint removers are toxic and contain harmful chemicals, however, Trade Strip Paint Remover is a safe, water-based, non-toxic and hazardous paint remover.

Do you need to wear protective clothing when using Paint Removers?

You should cover your skin and wear protective gloves when using any paint stripper, wear goggles and wash it off immediately if it touches your skin or goes into your eyes as it can burn and cause long term damage.

Do you need to protect your eyes when using Paint Removers?

Always wear goggles when you are using paint removers and if the solution goes in your eyes then wash them immediately and read the label to see if you need to do anything else.

How long does it take to remove paint when using Paint Remover?

It can be a long process and we always advise that you work on small areas at a time. When the remover has been painted on the surface it normally takes 20 – 30 minutes for the paint to start to bubble and lift and then you gently scrape and wipe it away from the surface.

Will Paint Removers damage other surfaces?

Paint removers will lift and remove the paint and varnish it comes into contact with so always cover other areas around it really well. If you can its always a good idea to work in a garage or in your garden when you are stripping and removing paint so floors and other surfaces don’t get damaged.

How do you remove paint from furniture without damaging the finish?

Apply the paint remover to the surface of the furniture working on small areas at a time, and after you have done a patch test on an area that won’t be seen. After 20 – 30 minutes the paint will start to lift and you can gently scrape or wipe it away. You can do this several times until you get to the original surface. Paint remover will clean a surface and remove the paint or varnish from the grains in the wood too without damaging it.

Paint RemoverHow long do I have to wait before I repaint an area or surface?

The product instructions will tell you how long you should leave it, however, most paint removers will need 24 hours for the surface to completely dry before it is repainted.

What is the best Paint Remover?

Trade Strip is the best paint and varnish remover and is ideal for use in the home or for trade and industrial use. Most DCM-free paint strippers have just replaced one hazardous solvent with another, however, Eco Solutions patented technology removes the hazardous solvent content and replaces it with water.

Why is Trade Strip Paint & Varnish Remover safer than traditional Paint Removers?

  • Water-based
  • Tough, not toxic
  • Non-hazardous
  • Non-toxic
  • Non-caustic
  • PH neutral
  • No fumes
  • No skin burns
  • No ventilation required
  • Non-flammable
  • Non-combustible
  • Suitable for use around people with respiratory problems such as asthma sufferers
  • Working wet system
  • Ideal for removal of lead-based paints
  • No H (hazard)
  • No P (precautionary) statements on the label
  • Environmentally safe

What are the Benefits of Trade Strip Paint & Varnish Remover?

  • Can be used on wood, metal and masonry
  • It doesn’t create dust as sanding does
  • Rapid and effective paint removal
  • It won’t scratch the surface as sanding does
  • You can get into awkward areas with a paint remover
  • Gentle on wood and won’t damage its surface
  • It removes the paint in the grain of the wood and doesn’t damage it
  • It doesn’t discolour surfaces

Trade Strip is a safer alternative to Methylene Chloride*, caustic poultices. as well as N-Methyl Pyrrolidone (NMP), Benzyl Alcohol, Ethanol or Dimethyl Sulphoxide and is ideal for use in sensitive and occupied premises such as homes, hospitals and schools.

It is ideal for use on all types of surfaces including wood (hard and soft) – Marble – Stone – Brick – Concrete – Plaster – Ceramic Tiles – GRP – Aluminium, Brass, Cast Iron and other soft metals.

It removes; Lead-based paints – Oil-based paints – Solvent-based paints – Water-based paints & emulsions – Polyurethanes – Stains – Varnishes and waxes – Intumescent paints – Rust-preventative surface coatings.

Available in 5 Litre and 15 Litre sizes.

Best Paint and Varnish Remover Demo Video

How easy is it to use Home Strip Paint Remover?

Upcycling furniture is a great way of taking unused and unloved items of furniture and making them look refreshed and like a newly brought item of furniture. It is a great way of adding style and more often a theme to your home or business interior at a much lower cost than buying it new. You can pick up some absolute bargains in your local charity shops, recycling centres or on gum tree or free selling sites. Upcycling can be a fun and rewarding way to give your home or business the style you are looking for. You will get huge satisfaction from making an unwanted or old piece of furniture into an item that you love. Every time you look at your new piece, you use it or see someone else use it you will feel a sense of achievement and be proud of what you have produced.

A lot of people are now buying older furniture, upcycling it and then selling it on and it is proving to be a popular business choice as well as being good for the environment.

Home Strip Paint Remover is quick and easy and saves of repeated sanding, dust and fumes when you are reviving a piece of furniture or maybe skirting boards or doors. Home and Trade Strip Paint Remover is used by people who are renovating homes or properties themselves or if they are a renovating business as it is safe, quick and so easy to use.

Preparation 

  • First, prepare the piece of furniture you want to strip
  • In the video, we are stripping an old 1930’s bookcase that has thick coats of dark varnish on it
  • If you can try and remove the shelves and take off the back panel and this will enable you to really get into the corners where it is likely to have thick coats of varnish
  • Strip Paint Remover enables you to get into the corners and remove any varnish build up
  • Prepare your area, you can work inside or outside as there are no fumes from Home Strip Paint Remover
  • Lay newspaper or an old cloth on the floor to stand your piece on

Applying Home Strip Paint Remover

  • Put gloves on and use an old or cheap paintbrush to coat the wood with a liberal amount of Home Strip Paint Remover, the thicker the better
  • Depending on the size of your project it really can take just 5 minutes to apply the product all over
  • Then you leave it to do its work
  • Just 45 minutes later you can start the next stage

Removing the Varnish or Paint

  • You will need a bowl of warm soapy water. Washing up liquid is fine
  • Take a stainless-steel scouring pad, the same as you would use on a saucepan and scour the surface all over to expose the wood
  • You will start to see the natural grain of the wood as the varnish comes off and as you work over the wood you can wipe it with an old dry cloth
  • It will dry back a lot lighter, almost 3 times lighter than when you first wipe it
  • Home Strip Paint Remover gets into the grain of the wood so when you scour it you will see the woods true natural look
  • Any lumps and bumps of varnish will be removed
  • Giving a good scour and rub doesn’t damage the grain or the wood so don’t be afraid to do this
  • You can leave it on longer than 45 minutes and it won’t damage it. Even 24 hours later is fine. If the Home Strip Paint Remover has dried when you go back to it just spray it with water to reactivate it before you start to rub it down with your scourer
  • The wood will dry out properly in about 1.5 hours but we advise you to leave it 24 hours if you are varnishing or painting it again to make sure

That’s it you are done, it’s that easy, you have stripped that old piece of furniture quickly and easily with no fumes or skin burns and you are part way there to make it beautiful again.

Where can I buy Trade Strip Paint & Varnish Remover?

Trade Strip can be ordered through Brewers, Buildbase, Jewsons, Travis Perkins, or for aerospace +Cromwell/Med-Lab. You can also find our stockists here at the bottom of the page.

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