Paint strippers
cause the paint to crack and buckle.
The paint removal process can be a health hazard. The chemicals in many paint strippers can cause cancer, liver damage and other afflictions. Protective gear including a face mask and chemical-resistant gloves should always be worn when removing coats of old paint. Ventilation is also an important consideration and windows and doors should be open. Pregnant women and children should never be exposed to paint containing lead no matter how it is being removed.
Solvent Paint Stripper
Paint strippers and removers using chemical solvents have been around for a long time and are the most common method for removing old coats of paint. Whether in liquid, paste or aerosol form, the paint stripper is applied and left on for the recommended time and then scraped off with a scraper or washed off with water and a sponge. The chemicals used can cause serious health problems including cancer. They may include methylene chloride, acetone, toluene, methanol, dimethyl adipate ester, dimethyl succinate ester and dimethyl glutarate ester.
Green Paint Stripper
The manufacturers of soy-based and other "green" paint strippers claim their products do not pose a health hazard. They are said to be biodegradable, non-flammable and odor-free and to easily wash off with water. They are not as fast-acting as traditional solvent-based paint strippers and several applications may be needed. Consumers should read the labels carefully before buying and, even if the product is supposed to be harmless, protective gear and good ventilation are still advised.
Home Paint Removal Recipes
The advantage of making your own paint stripper is that you know exactly what chemicals are in it. A mild recipe calls for 1 lb. flour, 1 lb. washing soda (sodium carbonate) and 1 cup of boiling water mixed together. Another recipe advocates thoroughly mixing together 1 cup borax, 1 cup ammonia, 1 cup soda and 2 cups water. While ammonia, borax and soda are not entirely harmless and will require protective gear, they may be less harmful than the solvents in traditional paint strippers.
Other Paint Removal Methods
Paint can also be removed with a heat gun. Paint is heated until it buckles and scraped off with a scraper. This method will produce fumes that may be harmful. Care must be taken not to burn the wood underneath the paint. Sanding with coarse sandpaper or scouring pads is another option for removing paint. This method is not recommended for fine furniture as the sandpaper or scourer could scratch it. The fine dust could contain paint chemicals which may be harmful to the health.
