Beware of Methylene Chloride found in Paint Strippers!

Posted on

Beware of Methylene Chloride found in Paint Strippers!

methylene-chlorideMethylene Chloride is a chemical solvent commonly found in paint strippers and is so deadly that we strongly advise leaving it to the professionals when it comes to paint stripping.

One common reason for the use of powerful paint strippers in the first place is that the average lifespan of most paint colours is around eight years, beyond which the paint will begin to degrade and peel. After this period elapses, the paint starts to degrade and peel off, which appears very unattractive. Premium Door Stripping can use these chemicals safely and responsibly to avoid your painted surfaces from deteriorating and looking horrible, you should get them stripped and repaired early enough.

Methylene Chloride, aka Dichloromethane (DCM), Methylene Dichloride and Methane Dichloride, is used most prominently in industry in the production of paint strippers.

Public Health England (PHE) reports that Methylene Chloride was used in commercially available paint stripper products until 2010 when its use in these products was banned within the European Union. PHE’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical & Environmental Hazards describes Methylene Chloride as clear, colourless, volatile liquid with a sweet odour with the following potential side effects:

  • Exposure is most likely to occur in the workplace where it is produced and used
  • Ingestion may cause burns to the digestive tract
  • Inhalation of vapours may cause shortness of breath and coughing
  • May cause cancer in humans
  • Skin contact may cause either burns or a burning sensation and pain
  • Vapours irritate the eyes and contact with the liquid form may cause burns to eyes

Of course, there are other chemical solvents whose usage should also be approached with caution as no chemical is completely ‘safe’. Aside from being hazardous, these other chemicals can variously cause damage to a user’s eyes and skin, respiratory tracts and nervous system. The chemicals also need special handling and should be kept away from children due to their irritant effect and toxicity.

However, it our professional obligation to emphasise that Methylene is so hazardous that we strongly advise leaving it to the professionals when it comes to paint stripping.

With our expertise in the paint stripping business, Premium Door Stripping specialise in removing paints from doors, furniture, fireplaces, cupboards, radiators and benches or wooden window shutters safely and responsibly on behalf of our customers. Premium Door Stripping is a reliable market supplier and leading provider of paint removal and paint stripping services in the UK.

Paint Stripping on an Industrial Scale: Methods and Chemicals Used

Posted on

Paint Stripping on an Industrial Scale

There are a number of chemicals used to strip paint and on an industrial scale. Aside from being extremely effective at removing paint without damaging surfaces, the best industrial paint strippers on the market should be eco-friendly, i.e. biodegradable and non-toxic. Whether you are restoring period furniture or simply stripping a cast-iron fireplace, industrial paint stripping is an easy process and thanks to the latest laser technology, rust and undesired paintwork can be eliminated without fuss.

Caustic Soda (sodium hydroxide) is a commonly used paint stripper as its alkaline yet highly corrosive. Heating caustic soda makes it safer for woodwork for example as the wood resides in the solution for a much shorter period. Other industrial paint-stripping chemicals which are organic compounds and miscible with water include but are by no means limited to:

• Dichloromethane (DCM, or methylene chloride)
• Propylene glycol monomethyl
• Dimethoxymethane (also called methylal)
• Phenol (popular in the aviation industry

When it comes to industrial paint stripping as a tried and tested method, the pros ‘outstrip’ the cons.

The Benefits of an Industrial Paint Stripper

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly paint removal better for environment and user
• Easier to strip paint from tight or delicate spots than a chemical paint stripper
• Fast, easy and cost-effective process
• Lack of chemicals and other treatments
• No residue, dust or water for non-messy clear up
• Wide range of methods from backpack or handheld or robotic
• Wide range of uses from vehicles to cast-iron fireplaces

As discussed in our previous post A Look at Laser Paint Stripping, this method is another viable alternative to paint stripping on an industrial scale when it comes to safety, eco-friendliness and efficiency. Laser paint strippers are only available business-to-business currently, however, if you are a company considering purchasing one, you could do much worse than a high-powered laser stripping system such as the CL100 designed by German manufacturer cleanLASER, a company which produces laser paint-stripping technology such as backpacks and handheld devices right through to high-powered heavy-duty machines. Premium Door Stripping believe lasers to be the future of industrial paint stripping, after all, what’s not to love?

The aviation industry has been at the forefront of laser stripping technology for over 40 years with laser paint and rust stripping widely used. When you consider the requirement of aircraft needing to be stripped as frequently as every five years in some cases, this makes perfect sense especially given that laser paint removal has a dual-use in stripping paintwork and removing rust. Because of this, the automotive industry is another good example of a prolific laser paint-stripping adopter particularly in the case of many vehicle repair shops who are stripping paintwork and removing rust on a regular basis.

Premium Door Stripping is a reliable market supplier and leading provider of paint removal and paint stripping services in the UK. Our expertise in the paint stripping business means that we specialise in removing paints from doors, fireplaces, cupboards, radiators and benches or wooden window shutters. Paint stripping on an industrial scale that’s chemical-free? It’s all in the method.

Reasons to Use Paint Stripping Services

Posted on

paint stripping services

Paint stripping revolves around the removal of paint, other finishes and tidying up the underlying surfaces. It may appear to be an expensive and complicated process, and you may be wondering if it is essential. Whether you work with paint on your own or you do it professionally, at one time you will need paint stripping.

Below are several reasons why you may require paint stripping services.

Paint is not permanent

Majority of the colours have a given lifespan, say around eight years. After this period elapses, the paint starts to degrade and peel off, which appears very unattractive. To avoid your painted surfaces from deteriorating and looking horrible, you should get them stripped and repaired early enough. Track the number of times and the time when you repaint to have a regular schedule.

Turning your house into your home

Most of the time, you paint your house to display its aesthetic value and express your tastes and preferences. It is essential to select the colour of paint yourself to depict your style hence your satisfaction and comfort is assured. It is important to strip off the previous paint entirely to end up with quality and more permanent paint.

Paint stripping should not only be done on chairs, doors, tables, walls, fence or beds but on every other household item that has a painting surface. This ensures that your taste and style comes out uniquely.

Improves your home’s safety

This is in the case where the already existing paint may contain lead. In the early 19th century most household paints mostly contained a significant amount of lead. It is a toxic metal that once breathed in could cause permanent brain damage.

You should make use of a lead testing kit to find out if your house is safe. If there is any paintwork containing lead, you should have it all stripped off and have a fresh and safer paintwork.

Stains and Blisters

The appearance and texture of paintwork transform over time. During the year when temperatures are cold and hot, paint contracts and expands. The newer varieties of paint are made to be more elastic than older ones, and so they contract and expand at a higher rate.

If you apply newer paint near an older paint, the non-uniform expanding and contracting causes swellings and blemishes. It is advisable to strip away the old paint and use a fresh paint uniformly.

Dangerous Chemicals in Paint Removers

Posted on

paint-remover

Paint removers are effective for stripping coats from your furniture, doors, and cabinets. The only problem is that a majority of paint removers are not safe. As a user, you should buy a stripping agent that is free of inherent toxic compounds. One very dangerous toxic compound found in most stripping chemicals is methylene chloride. The chemical is known to cause fatal effects to your body if inhaled or accidentally ingested. For this reason, you should be cautious when approaching the options.

If you don’t know what to go for and who to consult, you should consider paint stripping services. One reliable market supplier and a leading provider of paint removal and paint stripping services in the UK is Premium Door Stripping. We specialise in removing paints from doors, fireplaces, cupboards, radiators and benches or wooden window shutters. We have the expertise in the paint stripping business and can offer you the direction that you need to get the stripping job done.

What Chemicals to Avoid and Why?

Other than methylene chloride, it’s important to be on the lookout for a number of chemicals in a paint remover, including toluene, methanol, ethanol, mineral spirit, and acetone. These solvents are flammable, and may cause serious harm to you. The organic solvents may damage your eyes, skin, respiratory tracts, and nervous system. Due to the irritant effect and toxicity potency, the chemicals needs special handling and should be kept away from children.

What Chemical Option and Form is Safer?

Research shows that caustic soda is among the safest stripping chemicals to use. Premium Door Stripping employs the use of caustic soda in the paint removal services. The paint stripping services employed considers two tank options; hot and cold caustic soda. The caustic soda can remove paint from metallic and wood finishes. In addition to this, caustic soda causes no harm to you, and is safe to handle. The form of the stripper has a role to play when considering the safety of using the chemical. When comparing the liquid and paste forms, the latter is less hazardous than the former. This means there is less danger in using the caustic soda as it is in paste form.

Conclusion

Overall, your safety is a priority when buying a paint remover or hiring a stripping service firm. The company that you consider need to guarantee the safety of using the product. The bottom line is that you should avoid toxic chemicals. You should consult Premium Door Stripping for the safest paint removers.

Best Varnish Remover for Wood

Posted on

varnish remover

Before you do a refinish of your furniture, you require an effective chemical stripping agent to help you remove the varnish. In choosing a varnish remover, the effectiveness of the stripper is an important consideration. You have to choose a chemical stripper that is quick and safe to use. It’s important to first verify if the said stripper is actually a varnish remover. This article takes you through the various options of varnish remover and how to settle on the best.

What should you consider in a Varnish Remover?

First, you have to consider the potency of the varnish remover. Strong paint strippers have an upper hand in removing thicker finishes. Secondly, you should go for a chemical stripper that is safer to use. Even though most strippers are flammable, it’s important to go for the one that has fewer dangers. Additionally, you should consider the price of the strippers. The price should coincide with the effectiveness of the stripper. Lastly, you should consider the form of the stripper. Most-effective varnish removers come in liquid and semi-paste form.

What are the Best Varnish Removers?

Before buying the varnish stripper, it’s crucial to ascertain that your furniture finish is varnish. If it’s not varnish, then there is no need for the chemical stripper as you can use ordinary caustic chemicals. To check for varnish, you should look at the finish closely. Varnish is heavy and mostly, amber colour. You can also identify brush stroke on the wood finish and these are normally absent in thin finishes. The following groups of chemical strippers are the best for varnish removal:

  1. Methylene Chloride Agents: These stripping chemicals are regarded as the strongest. The strippers are effective against heavy varnish coats. Varnish strippers of this category also contain other components such as caustic to neutralise their strong adverse effects. Methylene Chloride irritates the skin and the eyes. It’s recommended to wear safety gears such as the goggle’s and gloves when working with these varnish strippers.
  1. N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) Strippers: Due to the health concerns linked to methylene chloride strippers, some manufacturers substitute methylene chloride with NMP. NMP is considered less toxic and safer to use. Even though the chemical strippers are not as strong as Methylene chloride, the stripping effects are fair. There are situations where the chemical strippers would contain portions of potent stripping chemicals such as methanol, ketone, and toluene. The agents are known to cling finely to vertical wood surfaces, thus effective in varnish removing. Maybe the only concern is that the chemicals are flammable.
  1. Biochemical Strippers: These are the safest strippers to use mainly because they are of plant origin. Important chemicals in these strippers include citric acid (from lemon or oranges), terpene (from pine), and lactic acid (from pulp). The advantages of these strippers are:

Conclusion

  •  They are eco-friendly, thus safe
  • Odourless when using, thus flexible

Overall, the varnish removers are important if you want to do a refinish. Getting the right stripper is vital if you want to achieve the best results. With an effective stripper, you get value for your money as you also enjoy great varnish removal.

The Dangers of Paint Stripping

Posted on

Introduction

Paint stripping

When it comes to removal of old paints, paint strippers are fast acting, easy to use and versatile. Compared to sanding, paint stripping is the most readily considered method since it’s the least harmful removal process of lead-based paints. Despite this benefit, paint strippers contain chemicals that can pose serious health risks, if not properly used. Since some of this chemicals are readily absorbed via the skin and are easily inhaled, they can irritate both the skin and eyes, cause headache, nausea and loss of coordination, dizziness and even drowsiness. The hazards of paint stripping greatly vary depending on the stripping product used since different types of paint strippers contain different chemicals. Other hazards include:

Isocyanate paint strippers

Paint stripping, as a necessary part of Bathtub refinishing, has a lot of threats that it poses from the bathtub refinishing products. It has been identified that most bathtub refinishing products contain Isocyanates. Isocyanates are cancer-causing chemicals and were commonly used in the traditional bathtub refinishing process. Chemical off-gassing occurs long after the surface, i.e., the door surface, has been refinished, and poses health risks and severe illness to the end user or the applicator. The centre of diseases and control says that Isocyanates are usually irritating to the skin, the respiratory tract and the mucous membrane. This results in complications such as asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Strippers containing Toluene

Some paint strippers contain Toluene, as an active organic ingredient. Toluene is flammable and is commonly associated with epidemics such as dermatitis, narcosis, muscular weaknesses, and even heart arrhythmia at high levels. Its chronic exposure can cause brain damage, kidney and liver-related problems, due to this solvent vapour produced during the paint stripping process. They as well cause internal organs injury when absorbed via the skin.

Strippers containing Methanol

Other paint strippers contain Methanol. Methanol is known to be highly flammable and hence during paint stripping process, if the applicator is not careful, the Methyl Alcohol vapour may result in a fire breakout. The vapour also poses threats to health since, when inhaled, it enters the bloodstream and once absorbed, it acts on the central nervous system causing blurred vision, or even optic nerve damage, which may eventually lead to permanent loss of eyesight. The vapour is also dangerous if ingested.

Strippers containing Methylene Chloride

Paint strippers contain Methylene Chloride as a solvent. This solvent is non-flammable, and whose hazards include; irritation of the skin, causes pulmonary edema, irregular heartbeats, and can eventually cause a heart attack. Methylene Chloride is metabolized to carbon monoxide within the bloodstream, hence interfering with oxygen efficiency. Methylene Chloride is as well linked with cancer. Research conducted by OSHA proves that this solvent causes cancer in animals. Also, it posses characteristics of decomposition in the presence of heat and flames, or even UV lights, hence producing the highly toxic phosgene gas. OSHA has put up measures for ensuring that all paint strippers labels carry a warning against smoking while working, and the importance of keeping away vapours from hot surfaces such as metallic doors, water heaters, furnaces, and other electrical appliers.

Conclusion

Paint strippers have been observed to pose potential threats to human and animals if not properly used, under the manufacturer’s guideline. Hence, it’s advisable that before use, one should make an effort to go through the safety guidelines first and ensure that every step is observed during the stripping process.

Benefits of Hiring Expert Paint Stripping Services

Posted on

Paint stripping services

An old ugly tarnished paint coating is an eyesore that you might want to get rid of and restore the first glory and aesthetic appeal of your home or furniture. Many people rely on their skills to renovate their walls because everybody repaints their homes anyway, right? Apparently, this results in a mediocre polish. It is not just about repainting your wall, but how perfect you want your wall done. With that high look in mind, you do not want to settle for average, and you wish the best. This time is when you hire the experts. It is incredible what professional paint stripping services can for your furniture, doors, fireplaces, cabinets and many other places.

Why hire expert paint stripping services?

First off, they are professionals, and they know best. They will do the paint stripping and painting for you while all you will do is pay and relax. Some of the benefits include;

1. Protecting your walls.

The paint stripping process could be hazardous depending on which remover you use. With several layers of paint to remove, chemicals might be the only alternative. Some of these stripping chemicals may corrode your walls if used in wrong proportions. An expert would easily tell which remover to use on your wall, the safety measures, procedure and portions to use. Better still, there might exist an alternative technology that the expert might know and use, relieving the worries of corrosion.
2. Short time is taken to do the job.

A professional takes a shorter time to do the stripping and painting compared to you. With the expertise and vast experience, the painters have more comfortable and faster ways of carrying out the task. This process would not be the same case with you, as you figure out every single thing and how it is supposed, go through the instruction manuals and much more. It saves time.

3. Great quality result.

With doubtless experience and top quality products used by professionals, your wish for that great look becomes true. They will do a thorough and precise job on your walls.

4. Guarantee warrants.

Some painting services companies offer warranty for both artistry and products used for a particular duration that could go as far as 12 months. This way you can pay for the quality services offered with peace of mind. This warrant is a great deal.

5. Professionals are better equipped.

It would be quite expensive for you to purchase all the necessary equipment for the painting process which you can skip when you hire an expert. In fact, you might not even know all the tools and end up going in rounds, to and from the market or yet do some shoddy work on your wall only because you had no idea what to use in scraping off that disturbing stain on your wall.

Professional help is always the best option.

How to Remove Paint from Wood

Posted on

How to Remove Paint From WoodYou may be considering the idea of redoing your wooden floor, or you may be suspecting that something extraordinary is hidden under the thick layers of your paint on your old wooden door. You are thinking about how you can go past the thick layers of paint and reveal the beautiful wood beneath. Well, there are several ways of removing paint from wood that you can try out.

However, before you get started, make sure that the wooden object you want to deal with is dry. If it is wet, dry it up with a piece of cloth or hair dryer. Remember to put on gloves all the time to avoid blisters. Below are the two effective methods of removing paint from wood.

Method 1: An Electric Hot Air Gun

In this process, you will need a heat gun. For safety purposes, make sure that you are wearing gloves, a face mask, and goggles. You should also be having a bucket of water nearby to prevent fire accidents.

Start by positioning the heat gun about 8 inches above the painted wooden surface and then switch it on. Warm the small areas of the wood by slowly moving the heat gun over the surface. Pass the gun over the surface of the wood. Continue passing it over from side-to-side and up-and-down.

You will notice that the old paint becomes tender and it is easy to scrap it off. You should do the scraping with a broad paint scraper.Once you are done with the larger sections, turn to the smaller areas until you clear the whole surface.

While working with the handgun, small flames may come up. There is no need to worry. However, if significant fire starts, be sure to turn off the gun and put it off with water. Make sure that you remove anything that is flammable. Ensure that you do not light up areas that may increase fire. After you are done scraping the sand, make the surface smooth with sandpaper and your own choice of grain.

Method 2: The Sanding Method

The sanding method is the best for small projects that do not involve massive surfaces. In sanding, you make use of sandpaper alone to scrape off the paint from the wooden surface. However, you need to be extra cautious when using this method since the sandpaper, and the wire wool can easily damage your wooden surface.

Consider sanding using power tools since they help in applying the pressure evenly on the surface. Experts recommend that you take the sanding process easy and slow until the time you start having a feel of the surface. If you discover that the floor is hard during the sanding process, you should consider applying some water, vinegar, or spirit. You should sand the surface in a straight position and do it calmly.

With this tips, you will be able to comfortably remove paint from wood. In fact, these methods will not destroy any of your woods.

Remove Paint From Wood

Share this Image On Your Site

What is the Best Paint Stripping Product?

Posted on
Caustic Soda
Caustic Soda is commonly used as a paint stripping product.

When it comes to the painting process, preparation is very important. In the art of painting, the surface underneath the paint coat determines your painting results. For this reason, a cracked or peeled surface tends to show up in the new paint coat. To avoid this from occurring, you are expected to strip off the old paint coat before applying a new one. You can only achieve this if you consult the best paint stripping professional. The professional paint stripper gives you the best painting experience. This means going for the right paint stripping product. For you to decide on the best product, you should consider the following factors:

1. The Type of Paint Stripper you Want

Normally, there are three categories of paint strippers that you can opt for. They include caustic, solvent, and plant-derived paint strippers. If you are looking for the best and fastest paint stripper, the caustic paint products are the best. They contain lye, an active element for stripping. Lye contains either caustic soda or caustic potash needed for stripping. The lye product gets to loosen the paint coat and thus effective for removing the old paint cover.

2. The Method of Removing the Coat

After identifying the paint stripping type that you want, it’s also important to identify what method you can employ to make the stripping process easy. For instance, you can decide to use heat method, sanding or power washing. Heat method is the commonest of the three. In fact, you can combine the caustic soda method with heat treatment to achieve a fast and quality paint stripping result.

3. Package Information

If you opt for ready-made stripping products, it’s important to read and understand the information on the package labels. Vital information on precaution, preparation, and method of application is important. This will help you achieve the best paint stripping service as you also do it safely. Whichever stripping product you use, it’s vital that you take safety measures. This means wearing safety gears to protect your eyes, skin, hands, and feet. You are also expected to maintain a well-ventilated environment as you wait for the paint stripper to work.

Conclusion

Generally, the process of achieving a good paint stripping process is easy, provided that you know how to go about it. Consulting a paint stripping profession is vital to achieving the best painting results. Eventually, you stand to achieve the best stripping effects if you get to use the best paint stripping product.

Alternate Paint Stripping Methods

Posted on
Paint Stripping with a Scraper
A Scraper Stripping Paint of Wall

There has been an ongoing effort to spruce up newly bought home, which has involved stripping the paints from our banisters. The methods of stripping the paint depend on the surface of the material, and the type of paint that was used. Various methods are commonly known, and people select them according to preference, financial capabilities, etc.

Despite all, it is found essential to do paint stripping of old paint, because if you fail this step, the new court is likely to bubble and peel off more quickly. For best results, top coats of paint require undercoat and primer attached to the siding correctly. Paint peeling involves various methods of which some are dangerous and hard, but working to achieve their purpose. Some of the paint stripping ideas to improve your home are:

Scraping

This remains the best choice for stripping paint despite being tiresome. There is a sharp, rigid putty knife or blade that is designed just for paint scraping. They are popular, and most people prefer them. This is because you’ll minimise dust, and have better controls than if you used some other methods that will reap of dust which might contain toxins that aren’t health friendly.

This method is more suitable and easier if you’ve got very loose or alligatored paint. It will leave your home looking marvellous and splendid. All you need is to have a sharpener or even a white stone, which keeps the scraper sharpened during your activity, for best results.

Infrared heat paint removal method

This is the modern method of paint removal from wooden surfaces. This method is cheaper, neater, safer, and environmentally friendly. It makes a great alternative to techniques such as chemical and mechanical paint stripping. This technique quickly loosens all type of paint.

It works by penetrating the infrared rays, which eventually warm the substrate below the paint, thus loosening paint’s grip on the surface, and this makes it easy to scrape it off. This method eventually leaves a porous surface with a tooth to grip onto the primer and new paint for longer.

Dustless Blasting

This is an environmentally friendly method. It uses recycled glass, mixed with water to strip the paint off, leaving a natural and paint active surface behind. It is faster, greener and cleaner method of removing paints compared to the traditional soda, or even the sandblasting method. It does not cause any heat on a surface, while the water reduces friction, which helps solve the warping problem.

Use of Soy gel paint strippers.

This stripper works effectively to strip off paints from your house walls, sidings, sidewalks, gables, and patios. It is non-toxic, low in fume emission, and still, makes a great replacement to some of the harmful paint strippers. It is entirely organic and can be applied using a regular paint brush, and stays for hours without evaporating while you attend to other tasks.

All you do after working with the gel is to scrape off the paint and residue with a wet nylon brush and finally rinse with water. It leaves your house entirely looking neat as you make further arrangements to apply a new paint.