Peel Away vs Traditional Paint Strippers: Why Professionals Are Making the Switch

When it comes to removing old paint, professionals have traditionally had limited options - all with significant drawbacks. From harsh chemical strippers to dusty mechanical methods, the conventional approaches to paint removal have long been associated with health risks, environmental concerns and damage to underlying surfaces.

But there's a revolution happening in the paint removal industry, and it's changing how contractors, restoration specialists and property managers approach their projects.

At Peel Away New Zealand, we've seen a dramatic shift as more professionals abandon traditional methods in favour of our paste-based removal system. Here's why the industry is making this important transition and what it means for your next paint removal project.

The Traditional Paint Removal Methods: A Closer Look at the Drawbacks

Before we explore the Peel Away advantage, let's examine why traditional paint removal methods are increasingly seen as problematic:

1. Solvent-Based Chemical Strippers

Conventional liquid strippers typically rely on powerful chemicals like methylene chloride, NMP (N-Methylpyrrolidone) or caustic compounds. While effective at breaking down paint, they come with serious drawbacks:

• Extreme health hazards including respiratory damage, chemical burns and long-term exposure risks
• Highly flammable formulations creating fire hazards
• Rapid evaporation requiring multiple applications
• Environmental contamination concerns
• Damage to sensitive substrates like wood grain and detailed mouldings

2. Mechanical Removal (Sanding, Grinding, Scraping)

Power tools and manual scraping have long been go-to methods, but they present their own set of problems:

• Generation of hazardous dust, especially problematic with lead paint
• Physical damage to underlying surfaces
• Extremely labour intensive and time consuming
• Noise pollution and disruption
• Inability to effectively remove paint from detailed or ornate surfaces

3. Heat Guns and Torches

Heat-based removal methods have these significant drawbacks:

• Fire hazards, especially in older buildings
• Release of toxic fumes when heating lead or other hazardous paints
• Risk of scorching or burning underlying wood
• Limited effectiveness on multiple layers
• Labour intensive process requiring constant attention

The Peel Away Difference: A Revolutionary Approach

Peel Away's paste-based system represents a fundamental shift in how paint is removed. Here's what makes it different:

1. The Paste + Paper System

Unlike liquid strippers that quickly evaporate or mechanical methods that create dust, Peel Away uses a thick paste covered with a specialised laminated paper. This unique combination:

• Creates a sealed environment where the paste remains active for days, not minutes
• Allows deep penetration through multiple layers (up to 30 with Peel Away 1)
• Contains all removed paint and residue within the paper for safe disposal
• Eliminates airborne dust and minimises fumes
• Provides even, consistent removal across the entire surface

2. Formulation Options for Different Projects

Peel Away isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. The system includes specialised formulations:

• Peel Away 1: Alkaline-based for oil, lead and enamel paints (up to 30 layers)
• Peel Away 8: pH neutral for water-based paints, polyurethanes and modern coatings
• Ultra Primer + Fibre Seal: For asbestos-containing coatings and long-term encapsulation

This versatility allows professionals to select the right product for specific substrates and coating types.

3. Surface Preservation

One of the most significant advantages of Peel Away is its ability to remove paint while preserving the integrity of the underlying surface:

• No abrasion or mechanical damage to wood grain, plaster details or ornate features
• Controlled application that doesn't penetrate too deeply into porous surfaces
• Ability to work around delicate areas without damage
• Preservation of architectural details that would be lost with aggressive sanding

Real-World Comparisons: Why Professionals Are Switching

The proof is in the results. Here's what professionals across New Zealand are reporting after switching to Peel Away:

Time and Labour Savings

"On our last heritage villa project, we estimated Peel Away saved us approximately 60% in labour hours compared to our previous methods. The ability to apply the product and let it work while we focused on other tasks was game-changing." - Mark T., Auckland Heritage Restoration

Health and Safety Improvements

"After years of dealing with the health effects of traditional paint stripping methods, my team has reported significantly fewer respiratory complaints and chemical exposure incidents since switching to Peel Away. The containment aspect makes a huge difference." - Sarah L., Commercial Painting Contractor

Superior Results on Complex Surfaces

"We were tasked with restoring ornate Victorian mouldings that had been painted over dozens of times. Traditional methods would have destroyed the detail, but Peel Away removed all layers while preserving every curve and groove in the original woodwork." - David K., Architectural Restoration Specialist

Cost Comparison: Is Peel Away More Economical?

While the upfront product cost of Peel Away may be higher than some traditional strippers, professionals consistently report better overall economics when considering:

• Reduced labour costs (often the largest expense in any project)
• Fewer applications needed to remove all layers
• Less damage to repair on underlying surfaces
• Reduced cleanup and disposal costs
• Lower PPE and ventilation requirements
• Fewer health-related incidents and associated costs

For most professional projects, these factors make Peel Away the more cost-effective choice over the project lifecycle.

Making the Transition: How to Switch to Peel Away

If you're considering making the switch from traditional methods to the Peel Away system, here's how to ensure success:

1. Start with Trial Patches

Every project is unique, so we recommend starting with our trial kits to determine:

• Which formulation works best for your specific paint types
• Optimal application thickness (typically 3-6mm)
• Dwell time needed (typically 24-48 hours for Peel Away 8, up to 72 hours for Peel Away 1)

2. Proper Application Techniques

Success with Peel Away comes down to proper application:

• Apply paste at consistent thickness
• Smooth the laminated paper with plastic smoother to remove air bubbles
• Seal edges properly
• Allow full dwell time without premature checking
• Remove in one smooth motion when ready

3. Project Planning

Integrate Peel Away into your project timeline by:

• Planning for the longer dwell time (apply, then work on other areas)
• Scheduling removal and neutralisation steps appropriately
• Preparing proper disposal methods for the waste

Ready to Make the Switch?

Peel Away New Zealand provides full support for professionals transitioning from traditional methods to our system. We offer:

• Technical consultation on specific project requirements
• Training for your team on proper application techniques
• Site visits for large or complex projects
• Bulk pricing for commercial quantities

Join the growing number of New Zealand professionals who have discovered that there's a better way to remove paint - one that's safer for workers, better for surfaces, and more efficient for your bottom line.

📞 Call 0800 787 472 to speak with our technical team
💼 Request a professional consultation at www.peelaway.co.nz/professional
📈 Ask about bulk pricing for commercial projects