WHAT IS PAINT REMOVER?

Paint removers, or strippers, are not merely one chemical, but a combination of them, each with a specific job to do. This document provides information on solvent-based removers, those that use chemical solvents to remove the old finish. Solvent-based strippers come in three forms: liquid, heavy-bodied and semi-paste. In general, the liquid works best for varnish and lacquer finishes on such things as antiques with flat horizontal surfaces. The heavy-bodied and semi-paste are very similar with the semi-paste being slightly thicker. The heavy-bodied and semi-paste removers will cling to rounded and upright surfaces making them ideal for irregular surfaces. Removers may also be flammable or nonflammable. Nonflammable removers would be the choice for interior work. The active ingredient in many solvent-based strippers is a chemical called methylene chloride. Methylene chloride is present in the paint remover to penetrate, blister, and finally lift the old finish. Other chemicals in ...  more