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Thread: Paint stripper

  1. #1
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    Default Paint stripper

    It wasn't that long ago that paint stripper did just that ... strip paint. Not any more. Apparently methylene chloride was the ingredient that did the stripping but legislation has had it banned so now we have products that are useless in the real world of stripping paint.

    Does anyone know of a paint stripper that really does what the label says or maybe a recipe so I could make something up at home?

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  3. #3
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    That MIGHT work on a brushing enamel but on a single coat of lacquer it's about as good as using water.

    I bought that stuff from Bunnings because 10 years ago I used it on the same lacquer and it was perfect but unfortunately today's environmentally safe Polystrippa is useless.

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    I've had great success with a 50:50 mix of meths and turps. Don't know whether it will work on lacquer, but it's good enough to resuscitate dried paint brushes, so does have some umph.

    Michael

  5. #5
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    Go to a auto spray supplier. Super cheap have one that I've been using and am happy with.
    It's around $60 for 4ltr, but if you want high strength top shelf stuff, talk to you high quality paint/panel supplier. After all there stripping 2 pac etc.
    Using Tapatalk

  6. #6
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    According to the Bunnings website my local store has 1L tins of original Polystrippa in stock. Says it has methylene chloride in it.
    Chris

  7. #7
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by Snapey View Post
    It wasn't that long ago that paint stripper did just that ... strip paint. Not any more. Apparently methylene chloride was the ingredient that did the stripping but legislation has had it banned so now we have products that are useless in the real world of stripping paint.

    Does anyone know of a paint stripper that really does what the label says or maybe a recipe so I could make something up at home?
    Polystrippa still contains 90% methylene chloride (see here https://msds.orica.com/pdf/shess-en-...0703277501.pdf) so it has not been banned.

    According to the MSDS
    No long terms exposure information is available for methylene chloride. Available evidence from animal studies indicate that repeated or prolonged exposure to this material could result in effects on the liver and kidneys. Some animal test data suggests a carcinogenic potential for this material. These particular data sets are not considered relevant to normal industrial use but do emphasise the need for care in handling.


  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Snapey View Post
    Apparently methylene chloride was the ingredient that did the stripping but legislation has had it banned...
    Fake news?
    Chris

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    Fake news?
    Sort of!

    No ban here in Australia but overseas, there is.

    I would expect soon will be it on the legislators to do list.

    If your selected paint stripper is made offshore its a fair conclusion that there's some new 'old stock" held by retailers but will soon be replaced by the alternate formula.

    Read your labels before purchase.

    Grahame

  10. #10
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    In that case I'm going to grab a couple of cans next time in Bunnings.
    Chris

  11. #11
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    There has definitely been a change in the formula because the lacquer used to lift as you painted the stripper on and the brush would remove it as you worked. I don't see any paint crazing now and scraping with a piece of wood or plastic does nothing.

  12. #12
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    I've DIYed paint stripper using sodium hydroxide NaOH (caustic soda, lye) as the active ingredient. It needs to be in jelly form to stop it running off the surface, the goop can be flour, corn flour, wall paper glue, whatever is to hand. It doesn't soften all paints, methylene chloride is the king there.

    Pure NaOH can be bought cheaply in 10kg pails from suppliers to commercial cleaners. Be wary of the 500gm NaOH drain cleaners from the hardware, they often contain 50% table salt, read the labels.

    Apply the usual safety rules.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Snapey View Post
    There has definitely been a change in the formula...
    There are TWO formulas. The original, with methylene chloride, which you can still buy and the new formula which doesn't contain methylene chloride. You said in a previous post you have the new formula.

    New formula:
    Polystrippa Paint Stripper Advanced | Poly
    Chris

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