Favored paint stripper and tools?

Have you tried heat?

John in NM

Works really well. I've only used one that is a heating element with a handled, but a heat gun might work as well.

Re: Favored paint stripper and tools?

Clint Searl

The citrus flavored stripper works well.

Re: Have you tried heat?

JL

There is a layer of polyurethane (I believe) under the paint.

I haven’t tried heat as I am doing it in the garage and I haven’t run a cord there yet. I can try heat next week.

Re: Favored paint stripper and tools?

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

There is a reason methylene chloride stripper was invented. Add it, a cheap nylon paint brush, and some very coarse steel wool to your tools and materials....and some gloves that reach up your arm a ways. The kind sold in grocery for dish washing work well.

Re: Favored paint stripper and tools?

Dave Bair

Doesn't methylene chloride mimic carbon monoxide if the fumes are inhaled?

no

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

Carbon Monoxide binds to hemoglobin and blocks oxygen transfer. I don't know what methylene chloride does, if anything, but it is not the acute breathing hazard of carbon monoxide.

It is a controversial chemical. There were controversial health claims made. I don't know the current situation. It was used by the tank car in industrial processes. It is a powerful solvent for many plastics and efficient extraction solvent, caffeine out of coffee beans for example.

Re: Favored paint stripper and tools?

JL

It is a suffocant - it displaces oxygen. It is also carcinogenic.

Re: Favored paint stripper and tools?

David Yoho

When I was doing a lot of refinishing work that's all I used. I used BIX but haven't seen it in a while. The darned stuff worked. I always did my stripping outside and on the rare occasion I had to work inside I set up plenty of ventilation.

Re: Favored paint stripper and tools?

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

It is a suffocant - it displaces oxygen. So does anything if you work in a closet.

It is also carcinogenic. Last I knew it was suspected not proven. But this situation may have changed.

Just looked up MSDS "Potential cancer hazard"

I must say the MSDS warnings are noteworthy. The practical hazard in a well ventilated space is irritation. When I used it daily I eschewed the wedding band. It boils at body temperature so if it gets on your hand it evaporates instantly and harmlessly gone. But if it gets under a ring or in a leaky glove...irritation that lasts a while. I preferred to not use gloves with it.