How to Remove Lead and Asbestos Paint Safely in New Zealand: A Modern Approach for Old Problems

Across New Zealand, thousands of homes, buildings, schools and industrial sites still contain layers of lead based or asbestos contaminated paint. Many of these coatings were applied before the health risks were fully understood and now they pose a serious challenge for renovators, contractors and property owners alike.

Whether you are restoring a century old villa in Ponsonby or upgrading a commercial facility with hazardous coatings, the first question is always the same:

How can you remove lead and asbestos based paint safely, without putting your team, your tenants or your environment at risk?

At Peel Away, we specialise in solving this exact problem. Our patented paint removal system is designed to strip multiple layers of hazardous paint in one application, all while containing contaminants and preserving the surface underneath.

Here is what you need to know about safe, modern lead and asbestos paint removal in New Zealand and why Peel Away is the system trusted by heritage professionals, councils and builders across the country:

The Hidden Danger in Old Paint Jobs

Before the 1970s, lead based paint was widely used in both residential and commercial construction across New Zealand. It offered durability and vibrant colour but we now know it can cause irreversible health damage, especially in children and pregnant women.

Similarly, asbestos was often used as an additive in textured coatings and industrial grade paints. When disturbed, it can release microscopic fibres that are known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other serious diseases.

Unfortunately, sanding, grinding or scraping these paints can release hazardous particles into the air - putting everyone nearby at risk.

Traditional Paint Removal Methods Are No Longer Safe Enough

The old approach to paint removal involved either:

• Manual sanding, which releases dust
• Heat guns, which can aerosolise lead and asbestos
• Solvent based paint strippers, which often contain highly toxic chemicals that pose inhalation, fire and environmental risks

These methods are not only dangerous, they are also time consuming, labour intensive and often damage the original surface.

That is why health and safety guidelines in New Zealand now recommend containment based removal techniques, especially when dealing with hazardous coatings.

Introducing Peel Away: The Safer, Smarter Alternative

Peel Away is a paste based paint removal system that lifts multiple layers of paint, including lead and asbestos containing coatings - in one controlled, contained application.

How it works:

1. Apply a thick layer of Peel Away paste to the surface (3 - 6mm depending on coating)
2. Cover the area with the specially formulated Peel Away laminated paper sheet, sealing in the paste
3. Allow the system to break down the paint over 48 - 120 hours (depending on the surface and paint type)
4. Remove the paper, paste and softened paint in one motion
5. Neutralise and rinse the surface (only required for Peel Away 1)

This method traps all contaminants inside the paste and paper, preventing dust, reducing cleanup time and keeping you fully compliant with WorkSafe and environmental standards.

What Types of Surfaces Can It Be Used On?

One of Peel Away's biggest advantages is its versatility across different substrates. It's safe to use on:

• Softwoods and hardwoods
• Brick and concrete
• Stucco and render
• Cast iron and metal
• Plaster
• Fibreglass and painted aluminium
• Historical surfaces and fine detailing
• Asbestos coated surfaces (when paired with Ultra Primer + Fibre Seal)

Whether you are working on weatherboards, decorative cornices or commercial roofing, Peel Away protects the material beneath while safely removing what's on top.

Lead and Asbestos Paint: Containment Is Key

Peel Away is specifically designed to meet the containment needs of hazardous material removal:

• Lead safe: Peel Away traps all softened lead particles in the paste, eliminating airborne dust
• Asbestos safe: When paired with Ultra Primer and Fibre Seal, Peel Away systems provide a full encapsulation and binding solution
• Disposal ready: Waste can be collected in heavy duty bags and disposed of according to NZ's hazardous waste requirements
• No power tools required: Eliminates the risk of contaminating the worksite with sanding or grinding

Peel Away in Action: Real NZ Projects

Our system has been used on some of the most iconic buildings in the country, including:

• Auckland Harbour Bridge (lead paint removal)
• Christchurch Arts Centre
• Ponsonby heritage villas
• Takapuna Grammar School
• The Cadbury Factory
• War Memorial Museum East Gallery
• Historic villas in Herne Bay and Mount Eden

In each case, Peel Away was chosen because it delivered professional results without putting tradespeople or nearby residents at risk.

Which Peel Away Product Should You Use?

We offer two main products depending on your project:

• Peel Away 1 - For oil, enamel, lead and asbestos paint. Removes up to 30 layers in one application. Requires neutralisation.
• Peel Away 8 - For acrylics, polyurethanes, marine and epoxy coatings. Removes up to 12 layers. pH neutral and requires no neutralising.

Need to deal with asbestos roofing or wall coatings? Pair Ultra Primer with Fibre Seal to create a sealed, UV resistant, high gloss barrier that binds and protects the surface long term.

Still Not Sure? Start With a Trial Patch!

Every surface is different and paint thickness can vary widely - so before starting a major job, we recommend ordering a Peel Away trial kit.

This allows you to:

• Test how long the product needs to activate
• Determine the right product (1 or 8)
• Assess coverage thickness and removal technique
• Ensure compatibility with the surface beneath

Trial kits are available to order from our website or selected trade suppliers across New Zealand.

Ready to Remove Hazardous Paint the Right Way?

At Peel Away, we believe paint removal should never come at the cost of health, heritage or environmental damage. Whether you are restoring, renovating or maintaining - our system helps you do the job once and do it right!

📞 Call 0800 787 472 for product guidance or contractor recommendations
🛒 Order trial kits and full systems at www.peelaway.co.nz
📍 Available at Colorex Wellington, Tradextra Warkworth and specialist stockists nationwide