A paint remover helps you avoid the lengthy process of scraping paint from a surface. When comparing paint removers, consider the material of the surface you plan to work on and the possible side effects of the chemicals.
Types of Paint Removers
Most paint removers have either a solvent or caustic base. A solvent dissolves the bond between paint and its surface. A caustic base reacts with paint and loosens it from the surface. Solvent-based paints may dissolve rubber or plastic. Caustic based removers may darken wood.
Safety
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U. S. Consumer Product safety commission warn that methylene chloride, commonly used in paint removers, may cause cancer and side effects including irritation of the eyes, skin and nose, dizziness, headaches and complications for people with heart, lung and blood disease. Removers containing acetone, toluene and methanol cause similar side effects, but not cancer. A remover containing N-methylpyrolidone, caustic alkalis or sodium hydroxide can cause swelling, blistering and burning when it contacts the skin.
Efficiency
Choose the appropriate product to efficiently remove paint. The syndicated column Ask the Builder says that methylene chloride can remove four to five layers of oil base paint at one time, while sodium hydroxide may remove up to 30 layers of paint with one application.
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