Preparing to Strip Paint

So you're all set and ready to redecorate and freshen up your home. You've chosen the new shade of paint and have bought all the matching furnishings to go with it. But have you got everything ready to prepare the base for your new paint?

Being prepared is essential to keeping down your levels of stress throughout the task and to be ready for everything to run smoothly. Having all the equipment you need will make your life much easier and save you time in the long run.

Checklist at the ready, here's everything you need for your paint stripping job.

• Protective clothing. When carrying out a DIY task always wear something you don't mind getting dirty or marked. Half the fun of DIY is getting right in there with the elbow grease so relieve the pressure and wear clothing which keeps you covered. Also get yourself a pair of gloves. Not all products are skin friendly so protect yourself properly from head to toe.
• Paint stripper. A really obvious item you need but make sure it is the right product for you. Before purchasing the paint stripper double check that it can be used on the surface you need it for. Pick up a water based solution like Biostrip Plus which can be used on any surface to get the best value for money.
• The right tools. So the product is on the surface, now you need to remove it. Have a paint scraper, sponge or some steel wool at the ready. Once the paint stripper has worked its magic you can start peeling away the paint ready for your new colour.
• Post-stripping equipment. By having everything ready for when all the paint has been removed you will save yourself a lot of time. Have a stash of bin bags ready to tip in all the removed paint, tidying as you go makes it quicker at the end. It's also a good idea to have cleaning cloths and product ready to wipe over your freshly stripped surface.

Once you have everything on the list you will be ready to go. Having everything prepped beforehand means that not only do you have to stop halfway through because you forgot something, but you also get your complimentary end of job cup of tea faster.

For all of your paint stripping tasks try Biostrip Plus - available from our webstore

Avoiding Solvent Based Paint Strippers

Stripping paint  is not a new task and has been conducted by thousands of people across the globe. Stripping off the old in order to freshen things up with the new at home or at work is a common job which every decorator is familiar with. Although the concept and method of paint stripping is used on a daily basis there are many people who put themselves in unnecessary danger by using solvent based products.

Being the standard form of paint stripping, solvent based products have been around considerably longer than the newer water based products, so more people are familiar with them. However the materials used for paint stripping can be very dangerous  with either short or long term effects to the user and environment.

Containing a mixture of various toxic chemicals the solvent based paint stripper can cause serious health problems if it is inhaled or comes into contact with skin. Despite having various items of protective clothing the substance can still cause irreparable damage if used over any stretch of time.

Such health issues caused by solvent based paint strippers could range from respiratory problems to skin diseases such as dermatitis. The use of the chemicals could also result in organ failure in addition to some possible burns to the skin on direct contact.

As well as causing health problems solvent based paint strippers are also highly flammable. Solvent based paint strippers generally contain elements such as Methanol, Acetone and Toluene, all of which are highly flammable. Accidents do happen and if one should happen near to the product there could be a very serious incident resulting in many severe injuries. Regardless of whether it was an accident or a child knocking it over on top of something, the paint stripper can be a very dangerous substance to have around the home.

With such dangers possible with these solvent based products it is difficult to see why they are still being sold for home use. Although solvent based paint strippers are not as popular with the health and safety department as they used to be, they are still effective in their purpose. Still an option for decorators, these products can be used to carry out the job. But switching to water based product is a much safer option for all parties concerned.

For all of your paint stripping tasks try Biostrip Plus - available from our webstore

Water Based Paint Strippers - The Sensible Option

Compared to the standard solvent based paint stripping solutions found in the DIY market, the introduction of water based products has given decorators a larger selection of available products. Having another option to carry out the task of paint stripping means more users can select a product which is right for them.

Throughout the first 10 years of existence, water based paint strippers have proven to be more popular than originally envisaged. Being generally safer and more user friendly has made the water based solution the most sensible choice for decorators. As the popularity of the product continues to grow more people have started using it for many different reasons.

As a whole, water based paint stripping solutions are the safest option for paint stripping as the solution is not corrosive or flammable. Unlike standard paint strippers the absence of corrosive substances means that the user of the product has no danger should the fluid get spilt onto their skin.

No acids or other toxic substances means that there are no chemicals to burn or scald the skin, already making it much safer than solvent based strippers. The lack of toxic ingredients also means that there are no harmful fumes which could be inhaled by children, pets or other loved ones. This makes water based solutions ideal for carrying out paint stripping tasks around the home.

As well as being safer for use around the family,  water based paint strippers also pose less threat to the environment. Being non corrosive means that the solution will not cause burns or corrosion. 

An advantage to using the stripper outside is that if it rains the water could help to wash the product away. There is no need to chase after the solution with a bucket or mop because there are no toxic substances to cause any harm. 

Water based paint strippers are the most sensible product to use by far and you'd wonder why you didn't start using it sooner.

For all of your paint stripping tasks try Biostrip Plus - available from our webstore

Choosing the right Paint Stripper

There are many Paint stripping products on the market, all claiming to be the right one for you. So how do you select the right one ?

When selecting your paint stripping product it is best to have an idea of what you need your paint stripping product to do beforehand. Knowing what material surface you will be working on is crucial to selecting the best product for the required job. Whether you are stripping the paint from a door, the kitchen wall or the garage, all different materials react differently to chemical solutions.

A prime example would be if you are stripping paint from a wooden fence and a metal table,  the materials will react differently. Corrosive elements could result in burning or marking the material underneath the layer of paint. So to avoid any unnecessary damage to your home it's best to do your homework first.

While scanning the range of products available to use in paint stripping tasks always read the back of the container. Even if the front label says it can be used on all surfaces it may not necessarily be true. Picking up a product which cannot be used on wood for stripping a door is no good. Take advertising slogans at face value and read the small print on the container. This will save you time and money if the product is not suitable.

In addition to checking for surfaces it is also an idea to consider the base for your paint stripper. Different products have different qualities. Some solutions are non drip which means they work well on walls whereas other may be more suitable for flatter surfaces like windowsills and decking. A non drip solution is more suitable for a family home but if you live alone it may not be an issue. Everyone's requirements are different.

Taking the time to select the correct product for your paint stripping task will save a lot of time. Picking up the first product you come to could have adverse effects so picking up a product which is suitable for the surface you're working on and for your requirements is much better value.

For all of your paint stripping tasks try Biostrip Plus - available from our webstore

The difference between water based and solvent based paint strippers

Whether you want to have a change of scenery or update the tired decor in your home, stripping paint from walls can be a long and rather boring job.

Despite many claims from brands saying their products are fast and efficient, in reality it is just the advertising talking. In fact the only thing those products are stripping is your health.

Solvent based paint strippers rely heavily on various chemical compounds which eat away at whatever the solution is applied to, even skin. Widely available, these products can actually do more harm than anything else, so finding a safer solution is a must to protect yourself and your family.

Water based paint stripper - Biostrip Plus has a proven track record of being second to none in all aspects of stripping. It is not only much safer to use, it doesn't inflict any damage to the surface it is applied to and it works much faster than many solvent based strippers. Working with chemicals means that there is a potential for injury. Whether it is to you or a family member, any chemical substance could cause major health problems if it comes in to direct contact with your skin.

With the water based paint stripper Biostrip Plus you don't have this problem. Containing no corrosive materials at all means that the product is safe to use anywhere, even in your child's bedroom. The lack of toxic material means that no harmful fumes will emanate from the solution so having family around whilst carrying out the task will pose no danger.

In addition to the significant reduction of danger in comparison to solvent based paint strippers, Biostrip Plus is also safe for all surfaces. Regardless of what surface you are removing paint from, no damage will be inflicted on to that surface by the product.

Biostrip Plus easily removes paint from wood, metal, masonry or any other texture you need to work on. Safer for you, your family and your home, water based paint strippers are the best type of paint stripping formula to use at home. Redecorating your home is important but keeping your loved ones safe is more so.

With Biostrip Plus you have no need to worry about your family's safety, you only need to think about the new colour for your walls.

For all of your paint stripping tasks try Biostrip Plus - available from our webstore