Paint Removal Solvent

Types of Solvents

• Four chemicals, or combinations of chemicals, are primarily found in paint removers. Methylene chloride (MC), also known as dichloromethane, is the oldest of the solvent chemicals available on the consumer market. Acetone, toluene, and methanol (ATM) are combined to create another type of paint remover. These solvent chemicals, which are also the primary ingredients in lacquer thinners, tend to be the least expensive types when used in paint removal products. N-Methyl Pyrrolidone (NMP) is a slow-acting paint remover and, consequently, presents a lower evaporation level than the other chemical solvents. Di-basic esters (DBE) are another slow-acting, low-evaporation paint remover, and are often combined with NMP to increase effectiveness while lowering the cost of using them.

Solvent Actions

• The purpose of any paint remover is to loosen the bond between the paint and the painted surface. Paint removal products provide a choice of chemical solvents to target different paint types as well as painted surface types. MC and ATM paint removers are available in liquid form and a semi-paste form for less dripping in vertical applications, such as walls. Both types generally add wax to slow the evaporation process. These chemical solvents are useful for removing most types of paints, including oil-based paints, regardless of the age of the paint and the number of coats. NMP and DBE chemical solvents are not as effective on older paint applications and baked-on applications but present less of a risk factor for inhaling chemicals due to their slow-acting processes.

Safe Use of Paint Removal Solvents

• The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) considers the chemical solvents used in paint removal products to contain degrees of toxicity that warrant a warning about their safe use. All such products, according to the CPSC, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, are hazardous and potentially carcinogenic, especially due to their rapid evaporation rate. Inhalation of the fumes and skin contact with these chemical solvents may lead to severe irritations, thinning blood, brain damage, and poisonous reactions. They recommend abundant ventilation and protective gear, such as chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses, when using these products.

Alternatives to Paint Removal Solvents

• Alternative types of paint removal products depend on caustic alkali to loosen the bond between the paint and the surface. Examples of these include sodium hydroxide (lye) and ammonia hydroxide, which generally cost less than chemical solvents. However, these products tend to affect painted surfaces more, especially by softening and darkening wood. More common products such as isopropyl alcohol, mineral spirits, and turpentine are useful for removing paint, especially for small areas as well as for a variety of surfaces. They also do less damage to materials such as plastic and vinyl.