Paint Strippers Guide
Everything you need to know about paint strippers, from chemistry and application to safety and professional results.
VIEW PRODUCTSUNDERSTANDING PAINT STRIPPERS
What Are Paint Strippers?
Paint strippers, also known as paint removers or paint stripping agents, are chemical formulations designed to remove paint, varnish, and other coatings from surfaces. Unlike mechanical methods such as sanding or scraping, paint strippers work through chemical reactions that break down the molecular bonds in paint, making removal easier and safer for delicate surfaces.
The right paint stripper can save countless hours of labor, preserve historical surfaces, and ensure safe removal of hazardous materials like lead-based paints. Understanding the different types of paint strippers and their applications is essential for achieving professional results.
Layers removed in one application
Years proven track record
Safe lead paint containment
TYPES & CHEMISTRY
Types of Paint Strippers
Different paint strippers use different chemical mechanisms to break down paint. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right product for your project.
Caustic (Alkaline) Strippers
Strong alkaline formulations that break down oil-based paints through saponification. Highly effective on multiple layers of old paint.
Biochemical Strippers
Modern formulations using safer solvents and surfactants. pH neutral and user-friendly while still highly effective.
Specialty Formulations
Targeted solutions for specific applications like marine coatings, epoxy, polyurethane, and asbestos encapsulation.
THE SCIENCE
How Paint Strippers Work
1. Penetration
The stripper penetrates through the paint layers, breaking down the polymer chains that bind the paint together.
2. Softening
Chemical reactions cause the paint to swell and soften, losing adhesion to the substrate underneath.
3. Containment
The Peel Away system uses laminated paper to seal and contain the softened paint, preventing contamination and making disposal safe and easy.
Key Advantages of Chemical Stripping
- →Preserves Surfaces:
No heat or abrasion that can damage delicate substrates like wood grain, plaster details, or heritage features.
- →Lead Paint Safety:
Fully contains lead particles in the paste, preventing airborne contamination and ensuring safe disposal.
- →Multiple Layers:
Removes many layers in one application, saving time and labor compared to repeated sanding or scraping.
- →Complex Surfaces:
Works on intricate details, carvings, and hard-to-reach areas where mechanical methods fail.
PEELAWAY PRODUCTS
Choosing the Right Peel Away Product
Each Peel Away product is formulated for specific paint types and applications. Select the right one for optimal results.
Peel Away 1
The Heavy-Duty Solution
Ideal Applications:
- • Heritage building restoration
- • Lead paint removal projects
- • Industrial paint removal
- • Thick multi-layer paint systems
- • Pre-1970s painted surfaces
Peel Away 8
The User-Friendly Choice
Ideal Applications:
- • Residential paint removal
- • Marine anti-fouling removal
- • Modern water-based paints
- • Interior restoration projects
- • Furniture refinishing
Quick Comparison Guide
| Feature | Peel Away 1 | Peel Away 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Layers | Up to 30 | Up to 12 |
| Lead Paint Removal | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Good |
| Oil-Based Paints | ✓ Excellent | ~ Moderate |
| Water-Based Paints | ✓ Good | ✓ Excellent |
| Neutralization Required | Yes | No |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Easy |
| Fumes/Odor | Minimal | Very Low |
| Best For | Heavy-duty, industrial, heritage | Residential, marine, modern paints |
PROJECT APPLICATIONS
Paint Stripping Project Types
From heritage restoration to marine maintenance, Peel Away products have been proven across diverse applications and industries.
Heritage & Historical Buildings
Preserve architectural details and original substrates while safely removing decades of paint buildup. Essential for listed buildings and conservation projects.
- • Museums and galleries
- • Historic homes and estates
- • Churches and monuments
- • Victorian and Edwardian architecture
- • Ornate plasterwork and moldings
Commercial & Industrial
Large-scale paint removal for infrastructure, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. Proven on major projects like Auckland Harbour Bridge.
- • Bridges and infrastructure
- • Office buildings and warehouses
- • Schools and institutions
- • Parking structures
- • Industrial equipment
Marine & Boat Maintenance
Safe removal of anti-fouling, marine paints, and epoxy coatings from fibreglass, wood, and metal hulls without damaging the substrate.
- • Yacht and boat hulls
- • Anti-fouling removal
- • Marine equipment
- • Fibreglass restoration
- • Wooden boat restoration
Residential Renovation
Perfect for home renovation projects, from weatherboard houses to interior woodwork. Safe for DIY use with proper precautions.
- • Weatherboard and cladding
- • Window frames and doors
- • Interior woodwork
- • Furniture restoration
- • Kitchen cabinets
Furniture & Fine Woodwork
Gentle enough for antique furniture and delicate surfaces, preserving wood grain and fine details that would be damaged by sanding.
- • Antique furniture
- • Fine cabinetry
- • Carved woodwork
- • Musical instruments
- • Decorative pieces
Lead Paint & Asbestos
Specialized safe removal of hazardous materials. Fully contains lead particles and asbestos fibers, preventing airborne contamination.
- • Pre-1970s painted surfaces
- • Lead paint encapsulation
- • Asbestos coating removal
- • Hazardous waste containment
- • Compliant disposal methods
Proven Results on Major Projects
Peel Away products have been successfully used on iconic New Zealand landmarks including Auckland Harbour Bridge, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Christchurch Arts Centre, and hundreds of heritage buildings nationwide.
VIEW PROJECT SHOWCASESAFETY FIRST
Paint Stripper Safety Guidelines
Proper safety procedures ensure successful paint removal while protecting yourself, others, and the environment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Essential gear for safe paint stripping
Nitrile or neoprene gloves rated for chemical use. Never use bare hands.
Safety goggles or face shield to prevent splashes reaching eyes.
Long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Consider disposable coveralls for large projects.
For enclosed spaces or when working with lead paint, use appropriate respirator masks.
Work Area Preparation
Setting up a safe workspace
Ensure adequate airflow. Open windows and use fans when working indoors.
Cover floors, furniture, and adjacent surfaces with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
Keep children and pets away from work area during application and dwell time.
Have water, first aid kit, and emergency contact numbers readily available.
Special Precautions for Lead Paint
Any paint applied before 1970 may contain lead. Lead is highly toxic and requires special handling procedures:
Before Starting:
- • Test paint for lead content using a certified kit
- • Notify occupants and neighbors of lead work
- • Check local regulations and permit requirements
- • Consider hiring certified lead abatement professionals
During & After:
- • Never dry scrape or sand lead paint
- • Use Peel Away system to fully contain lead particles
- • Dispose of waste according to hazardous waste regulations
- • Clean work area thoroughly with HEPA vacuum
Why Peel Away is Safer for Lead Paint: The paste fully encapsulates lead particles, preventing them from becoming airborne. The laminated paper system contains all waste for safe disposal, unlike sanding or heat methods that release lead dust into the air.
DO
- ✓ Read all product labels and safety data sheets
- ✓ Perform a test patch first
- ✓ Use only Peel Away branded laminated paper
- ✓ Follow recommended dwell times
- ✓ Dispose of waste properly
- ✓ Wash hands thoroughly after work
DON'T
- ✗ Work without proper PPE
- ✗ Use near open flames or heat sources
- ✗ Allow product to dry out during dwell time
- ✗ Dispose of waste in regular trash (lead paint)
- ✗ Mix with other chemicals
- ✗ Use on surfaces hotter than 30°C
Emergency Response
- • Skin contact: Wash immediately with water
- • Eye contact: Rinse for 15 minutes, seek medical help
- • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, seek medical help
- • Spills: Contain and clean with absorbent material
- • Keep MSDS sheets accessible
Environmental Responsibility
Peel Away products are formulated with environmental safety in mind, minimizing harmful solvents and fumes while maximizing effectiveness.
Minimal volatile organic compounds compared to traditional solvent-based strippers.
No harsh chemical solvents needed for cleanup and neutralization.
Fully contains hazardous materials, preventing environmental contamination.
Follow local regulations for disposal. Lead paint waste must be treated as hazardous waste.
Disposal Guidelines
- 1.Collect Waste: Carefully remove laminated paper with contained paint and paste.
- 2.Seal in Bags: Place in heavy-duty plastic bags and seal tightly.
- 3.Label Clearly: Mark bags as containing paint waste (or lead paint waste if applicable).
- 4.Proper Disposal: Take to approved hazardous waste facility or arrange collection service.
Download: Safe Disposal Guide PDF
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about paint strippers and the Peel Away system.
Ready to Start Your Paint Stripping Project?
Whether you're restoring a heritage building, renovating your home, or tackling a commercial project, Peel Away has the right solution for safe, effective paint removal.
Get Started Today
Need professional advice?
Contact our technical team for product recommendations, application guidance, and contractor referrals.