5 Eco-Friendly Ways To Remove Paint

Removing or stripping paint from any type of surface is seldom an easy job. Every surface takes paint differently and every type of paint reacts differently to the surfaces. Add in environmental conditions and paint removal takes a bit of study and, usually, some elbow grease to accomplish.

For years, most professional painters and do-it-yourselfers have relied on harsh chemical-based paint strippers. While they can do a good job, many are also highly toxic to humans and the environment. Improper use of chemical strippers can cause damage to the respiratory system, brain, nervous system, and skin.

One of the worst offenders and potentially deadly chemicals in paint strippers is methylene chloride. Major home improvement stores have pulled products that contain the chemical from their shelves, but it is still readily available.

Here are some DIY friendly paint removal options — that are kind to the environment and your lungs:

1. Dibasic Ester-Based Gel Paint Removers

One chemical achievement that is not yet widely known is the creation of Dimethyl Esters (also known as Dibasic Esters and DMEs*). They are readily biodegradable, low odor, low VOC solvents used in a wide variety of industrial and specialty applications. Dibasic esters are excellent solvent substitutes in many cleaning and stripping applications. Use of dimethyl esters and dibasic esters continues to increase due to their positive economic, environmental and performance characteristics. 

One company taking this chemical evolution by storm is EZ Strip. Providing safer solutions to chemical stripping, cleaning, and developing new removal technologies that could change the renovation and restoration industry as we know it.

2. Soy-Based Gel Paint Removers 

Soy-based paint removers contain methyl soyate, a methyl ester distilled from soybean oil. This bio-based solvent is much more sustainable and environmentally-friendly than petroleum-based products. It is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), has a low flammability, and no ozone-depleting chemicals. Safe to use on wood, concrete, and metal, soy-based gels work effectively but take a bit longer to lift the paint from the surface. 

3. Citrus-Based Paint Removers

Citrus-based paint strippers contain terpenes, organic compounds derived from plants, usually oranges. Another example of a terpene used in paint removal is turpentine produced from pine resin. Citrus-based removers typically have an orange or citrus-scent and, like soy-based gels, work more slowly in removing paint than stronger chemicals. They are safe to use on any painted or varnished surface. While these strippers are biodegradable, they do still contain some harmful chemicals and should be disposed of properly.

4. Manual Paint Removal 

Skipping any type of paint stripper may seem like the most non-toxic method to remove paint. Unfortunately, there are still some hazards from the paint itself, especially lead paint in older homes. If you choose to manually remove paint, always test for lead first and be sure to wear a mask, safety glasses, and other protective gear. There are several methods you can employ to manually remove paint.

Scrape away paint: Using a plastic or metal paint scraper is effective in removing peeling paint, but must be used carefully to prevent damaging the surface under the paint.

Use a heat gun: A heat gun can be used to loosen paint to a point where it will eventually bubble making scraping easier.

Sand away: Using an electric sander or manually removing paint with sandpaper takes patience and skill. Take care not to sand too deeply or the surfaces will be permanently marred.

5. Boiling Water & Baking Soda 

This technique works only with metal hardware, but it’s one of the easiest of all the paint removal methods. Here’s how to make this eco friendly paint remover:

• Simply place your hardware in a pot of boiling water.
• Add baking soda to the pot.
• Boil the mixture for 20 minutes.
• Finish the job by lightly scrubbing the object with a toothbrush.

TIP: Be sure to use a pot that you will not ever use for cooking to remove paint from the hardware!

Using boiling water to remove paint is an old trick. It works because metal and paint expand at different rates when heated — causing the bond between the 2 materials to break. Although using boiling water alone will sometimes work, some people swear by using a small amount of baking soda in the water — and it definitely won’t hurt to put some in.

Before you tackle a paint removal job, take time to read the labels on commercial paint strippers. In addition to methylene chloride, active ingredients that are potentially dangerous to your health include toluene, methanol, ethanol, and acetone.

There are less-toxic paint removers on the market. If you choose to use a chemical-based stripper, choose a formula that is less volatile and toxic. Read the instructions carefully and always wear protective gear including safety glasses, gloves, and a mask when recommended.

Thank you for reading! If you liked this then you might like some of our other blog posts. Be sure to subscribe to our blog at https://ezstripblog.blogspot.com/ and have a great day!