Paint stripper is a commercial-grade chemical product designed specifically to remove paint, varnishes, and other paint protective coatings while safely and effectively cleaning the underlying metal surface. The term paint stripper is typically used in place of paint thinner, which may be more commonly found in residential grade paint products. Paint stripper is an extremely effective cleaning agent, especially when compared to solvent-based cleaners. In fact, one tablespoon of paint stripper can remove an estimated twenty-five percent more paint particles than solvent-based cleaners. This type of cleaner is used on automobiles and boats, but can also be used on most surfaces, including painted glass and metal, as well as wood and textiles.
There are several types of chemical strippers. The most commonly used variety eliminates paint stripping on painted and laminated surfaces with mild chemicals that are often combined with an oxidizing agent. These coatings are usually composed of an oxidizing agent, such as aluminum oxide, in addition to an abrasive agent, such as calcium borate or sodium borate. When using these products in residential applications, it is important to use the correct type of chemical for the surface to be treated. Stripping on aluminum and copper surfaces, for example, requires a different type of chemical compound than stripping done on stainless steel and other metal surfaces.
The second variety of paint strippers available is the electrochemical variety, which operates by creating static charges on the paint-blocking layers. As a result, the stripper attaches to the top layers of the protected surface, lifts the layers, and lifts them again. These products are particularly useful for removing paint from exposed wooden panels. They are capable of stripping paint from even tin cans, although they are unable to remove the wax coating that often forms on them.
The last variety of paint stripper is the infrared variety. This product operates by generating very high temperatures under pressure. The heat generated melts the paint away from the protected surface, leaving a smooth, glazed surface. These products are sometimes used to strip paint from plastic and ceramic containers. In fact, it is not uncommon to see companies in the painting industry using this technique as the primary method for removing varnish.
All of the above-mentioned techniques are effective paint stripping methods, but each one is different in terms of how the product removes the paint from a specific surface. If you are considering one of the techniques above, the best way to determine if it will work for your particular surface is to try it on a similar surface to test its effects. For instance, if you have a wooden grain paneled floor, you may want to try the above techniques to see if it takes off the varnish. On the other hand, if you have a metal surface, you could try the chemical paint stripping methods to see if it strips off the paint from your metal surface. This would be a good time to discuss with a professional if you have any questions about the methods that you intend to use.
Another technique for paint stripping is to use an abrasive material that will chemically react with the dirt, grease, oil or wax to remove it from the surface. This method works well for removing paint from a metal surface, but it does have the potential to damage the surface if used incorrectly. If you have any doubts about your ability to perform the chemical paint stripping job, it is a good idea to contact a professional to do so.
While there are many caustic chemical paint strippers on the market, you can also purchase equipment and supplies that work without using caustic chemicals. Many of these products work by using a combination of water, paint thinner (acrylithin), and a mild alkaline agent to strip old paint from your metal surface. Other types of cleaners contain a mixture of urea-formaldehyde, which can actually damage your lungs if too much is applied to the surface. These cleaners are usually not recommended for use on metal surfaces because they are quite harsh and can cause damage to your surface if used improperly.
There are other types of chemical strippers available, such as the Flex Agent stripper. This is one of the better brands of paint strippers on the market, as it has a variety of different applications and a higher efficiency rate than some other products. These cleansers can help remove both acrylic and oil-based paints from various metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and more. Flex Agents products are especially helpful in removing older coatings that must be stripped of old oils and waxes to properly preserve them.