Even with retailers banning hazardous paint strippers from their stores like Methylene Chloride and N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) in Canada, there are still a lot of chemicals out there in paint removal products that can cause harm to your health and the environment. Looking for safer options to strip paint and varnish for furniture refinishing and home improvements can seem a little daunting but there are safer options available.
SAFE ALTERNATIVE STRIPPING CHEMICALS
Dimethyl Esters (also known as Dibasic Esters, DBE, and DMEs*) are readily biodegradable, low odor, low VOC solvents. They have proven to be excellent solvent substitutes in many cleaning and stripping applications. Commercial acceptance and use of dimethyl esters and dibasic esters continue to increase due to their positive economic, environmental and performance characteristics. DBEs can be used to replace more conventional and increasingly regulated removal materials and industrial solvents. One company that has utilized these solvents in combination with innovative technology is Max Strip®. For more info on safer paint removal options that contain DBEs like Max Strip® visit MAXstrip.com
With a preferable environmental, health and safety profile DBEs are considered a “greener” or environmentally friendly and safer product due to several safety and regulatory attributes, including:
Environmental
Readily Biodegradable
Not included CERCLA/SARA hazardous substances list
Not considered a hazardous waste under RCRA
Not included on the CWA list of hazardous substances
Used in EPA Safer Choice formulations
Health
Low VOC
Not considered a carcinogen or reproductive toxin
Low levels of toxicity
Low odor
Main components not subject to Proposition 65
Not skin absorbent
Safety
Non-Flammable
Non Corrosive
Non-Hazardous DOT
High Flash Point
High Boiling Point
Slowly Evaporation Rate
Different paint strippers contain different chemicals, and the potential hazards vary for each product. It's important to remember every product has specific safety precautions. Here are some general safety steps to keep in mind when using any paint stripper.
If you use paint strippers frequently, it is particularly important that you follow these steps:
1. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions on the label. Do not assume you already know how to use the product. The hazards may be different from one product to another, and the ingredients in individual products often change over time. The label tells you what actions you should take to reduce hazards and the first aid measures to use.
2. Wear chemical-resistant gloves appropriate to the type of stripper being used. Examples include gloves made with butyl rubber or neoprene. See the manufacturer's instructions or safety data sheet (SDS) on your product to determine the appropriate glove type. Also, ask your local store what type of gloves to choose for your product. Common kitchen latex gloves do not provide enough protection for most paint strippers. Replace gloves often to decrease dermal exposure risk.
3. Avoid getting the paint stripper on your skin or in your eyes. Wear protective clothing and goggles appropriate for the project and type of stripper.
4. Only use paint strippers outdoors, never indoors unless the stripper states it is safe to do so. If you must use them indoors, cross-ventilate by opening all doors and windows. Never use any paint stripper in a poorly ventilated area. Make sure there is fresh air movement throughout the room. Ventilate the area before, during, and after applying it and when stripping.
5. Do not use flammable paint strippers near any source of sparks, flame, or high heat. Do not work near gas stoves, kerosene heaters, gas or electric water heaters, gas or electric clothes dryers, gas or electric furnaces, gas or electric space heaters, sanders, buffers, or other electric hand tools. Open flames, cigarettes, matches, lighters, pilot lights, or electric sparks can cause the chemicals in paint strippers to suddenly catch fire.
7. Only strip paint with chemicals that are marketed as paint strippers. Never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or kerosene to strip paint.
8. Dispose of paint strippers according to the instructions on the label. If you have any questions, ask your local environmental sanitation department about proper disposal.
When it comes to paint stripping, knowledge is power. Always know exactly what you're working with from the removal product to the material you are stripping. Using some basic safety precautions that start at the time of purchasing the stripper and finish with the proper disposal of removed materials will ensure your safety and low environmental impact.
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