Paint Strippers to Make a Surface Look Like New
Paint strippers are a useful product to make painted surfaces rejuvenated and sparkling. But, you have to be careful when purchasing one, because not all paint strippers work well with all types of paint. This is also because different products are made for different surfaces, such as wood or metal.
Before using a paint stripper, you should make sure to get the right one suitable for the particular task. Also, it is important to know certain things such as the various types, the top brands available, and tips that would help you effectively use a paint stripper. So, if you intend to buy one, here's a guide to expand your knowledge about paint strippers.
Types Paint Strippers
-
Caustic-based paint stripper: This paint remover or stripper is different from the other type of paint stripper, in that it contains sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide reacts with the oil ingredients in the paint, which in turn leads loosens the paint’s attachment to the surface. But, since sodium hydroxide is so caustic, it is important to know that this paint can cause serious burns. Therefore, care should be exercised.
-
Solvent-based paint stripper: This paint stripper focuses on removing the bond that connects the paint to the surface. The solvent here is water. Although now restricted to only workshops, the ingredient found in solvent-based paint stripper used to be methylene chloride. But the current solvent-based strippers on the market employ replacement solvents that are highly flammable. Therefore, you should use them with caution. Notwithstanding, it is still a good choice, provided care is taken when handling, and that includes the water-based solvents.
What Reviewers Have to Say
The following are customers’ reviews from different locations, on what they think about the paint strippers that they bought:
-
Great performance: The best paint strippers take off paint with ease, which is much easier than attempting to sand everything off. Also, after getting the stubborn paint off, the surface should look brand new. For example, people were pleased with the Autotek Paint Stripper Aerosol, because it simply sprays onto a surface, forming a gel that doesn’t drip or run off. That means that it keeps working until it gets that paint off.
-
Instructions were spot on: By following the instructions, everything appeared relatively easy and straightforward to execute.
Important Features
The following tips are going to make things a lot easier when using a paint stripper
-
When working outdoors, ensure the safety of the surrounding area: While working, you wouldn't want a paint remover to affect your plants or animals in the area, even though the paint stripper is not harmful to you.
-
Wear safety gear: People always underestimate the importance of safety. Before commencing work, you should put on safety gear. This means that your eyes, nose, and hands should all be duly protected. Failing to do so could lead to some harmful substances entering your body.
-
Exercise patience: Even though you want to finish quickly, it is important to know that some paint takes a long time to come off. So, know that patience will pay off.
-
Read labels carefully: Before proceeding with using a paint stripper, the manufacturer expects that you go through the label. Make sure to not only read the label but also make sure that you use the appropriate paint remover for the intended job.
-
Avoid using harmful products: Products containing ingredients such as methylene chloride, carbonic acid, toluene, and other caustic substances should be duly avoided if you can get an alternative product.
Top-Rated Brands
There are lots of interesting paint stripper brands available. However, the top brands are:
-
Dumond Chemicals, Inc. Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover: Their paint strippers are safe for the environment. Also, one interesting fact is that they can remove up to 15 coats of paint! They are also water-based, as well as being odor-free.
-
MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper: This brand is not only a superpower, but it is non-toxic as well as being biodegradable.
-
Sunnyside Multi-Strip Advanced Paint & Varnish Remover: This brand doesn’t use methylene chloride. Also, it not only allows you an easy cleanup, but it also is capable of removing up to 15 layers.
-
Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel: This brand doesn't contain harsh fumes or methylene chloride. Also, it should interest you to know that it easily removes oil-based paints, as well as dried latex.
