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The Safer, Smarter Way to Remove Paint in New Zealand: Why More Professionals Are Choosing Peel Away

July 1, 2025By John Downey

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The Safer, Smarter Way to Remove Paint in New Zealand: Why More Professionals Are Choosing Peel Away

Removing layers of paint from old surfaces has traditionally been messy, hazardous and time consuming. From toxic chemical strippers and sanding gear to the risk of releasing lead dust into the air, the process has often required more protection than precision.

But there is now a better way.

At Peel Away New Zealand, we believe in safer, smarter paint removal and our revolutionary system is helping builders, painters, homeowners and restoration experts strip away the past while protecting the future.

Whether you are working on a heritage villa, a commercial building or an industrial site, our patented Peel Away paint removal system gives you the power to remove multiple layers of paint in one go - with no harsh solvents, no sanding and no toxic fumes.

Here's everything you need to know about how it works, where it's used and why it's changing the way New Zealanders approach paint stripping.

What Is Peel Away and How Does It Work?

Peel Away is a paste based paint removal system designed to safely strip back old paints, including oil based, lead based and even asbestos containing coatings - without damaging the surface beneath.

Here's how the process works:

  1. A thick, active paste is applied to the painted surface (3-4mm thick)
  2. The area is then sealed with a laminated cover sheet that locks in moisture and activates the chemical process
  3. Over 48 hours to 7 days (depending on paint type), the paste breaks down the paint in a controlled and contained way
  4. The cover sheet, paste and softened paint are removed together in one safe, easy motion
  5. The surface is rinsed, neutralised (if Peel Away 1 is used), and left clean and ready to repaint

No grinding, sanding or heat guns required and no airborne toxins released into your workspace.

Why Choose Peel Away Over Traditional Paint Removal?

Here's what sets Peel Away apart from traditional strippers, scrapers and mechanical sanding:

  • Removes up to 30 layers in one application
  • Traps lead particles and asbestos paint waste inside the paste for safe disposal
  • No harsh fumes, safe to use indoors or near other trades
  • Preserves heritage surfaces and architectural detail
  • Minimises water use and environmental impact
  • Proven on high profile NZ landmarks like Auckland Harbour Bridge, the War Memorial Museum and the CAB Building

Peel Away is trusted by professionals across Auckland and New Zealand because it saves time, reduces labour and keeps both users and surfaces safer.

What Types of Surfaces and Paints Can It Be Used On?

Peel Away works on a wide variety of surfaces and coating types, which makes it one of the most versatile paint removers on the market.

You can use Peel Away 1 or 8 on:

  • Brick and masonry
  • Concrete
  • Timber (softwoods and hardwoods)
  • Plaster
  • Cast iron and metal
  • Fibreglass
  • Marine grade surfaces
  • Painted aluminium
  • Weatherboards and fine furniture
  • Asbestos-containing coatings (with the Fibre Seal and Ultra Primer system)

Each product in the Peel Away range has a specific purpose:

  • Peel Away 1: For oil based paints, enamel, lead and asbestos
  • Peel Away 8: For acrylics, polyurethane, marine coatings and epoxy
  • Ultra Primer + Fibre Seal: For asbestos encapsulation and sealing

Environmentally Friendly and Safe for Restoration Work

Paint removal isn't just about what you take off, it's about how you do it. The Peel Away system was designed with sustainability and site safety in mind because there are no harsh solvents or airborne contaminants, Peel Away can be used in sensitive environments, including:

  • Heritage listed buildings
  • Schools and public spaces
  • Healthcare and aged care facilities
  • Food production and industrial zones
  • Residential projects with children or pets nearby

Our product also reduces water usage during clean up and contains all removed waste in sealed, disposable laminated paper - keeping lead and chemical residue out of waterways and off your skin.

Used on NZ's Most Iconic Buildings

Peel Away has been trusted by architects, councils, engineers and heritage contractors for over two decades. Just a few of the notable sites where our system has been used include:

  • Auckland Harbour Bridge
  • The War Memorial Museum
  • Takapuna Grammar School
  • Silos at Wynyard Quarter
  • Real Groovy Records on Queen Street
  • Christchurch Arts Centre
  • The Cadbury Factory
  • Ponsonby and Herne Bay villas

When the project calls for preservation, not demolition, Peel Away delivers.

How to Get Started? Try a Trial Patch!

Because every surface and paint history is different, we always recommend starting with a trial patch. Our Peel Away trial kits (available in both 1 and 8) allow you to test the system on your exact surface and determine:

  • Which product performs best
  • How thick to apply the paste
  • How long to leave it on
  • How cleanly the layers will lift

You can purchase trial kits directly from www.peelaway.co.nz or at selected resellers like Colorex (Wellington) and Tradextra (Warkworth).

Available Nationwide - Order Online or Through Stockists

Peel Away products are available to order nationwide via our website or through our distribution partners. We supply homeowners, painters, contractors and facility managers across Auckland and beyond.

We also offer support guides, risk assessments and safe work method statements, so you can use Peel Away confidently and in full compliance with health and safety regulations.

Ready to Strip Paint the Smart Way?

Peel Away is the cleaner, safer and more effective alternative to sanding, heat guns and harsh chemicals. Whether you are removing lead based paint from an old villa, stripping graffiti from concrete or preparing an industrial site for repainting, Peel Away gives you total control and peace of mind.

📞 Call 0800 787 472 to speak with our team
📩 Or email john@peelaway.co.nz for product advice or to request a trial kit
👉 Visit www.peelaway.co.nz to order online or view our latest showcase of real NZ projects