You want to remove paint from the exterior wall or inner surface, it might be tempting to do with guns blazing, sandblasting, power washing, or wire brush, but what guarantees these methods are secure? These aforementioned methods can be risky as they can frivolously damage the brickwork and other surfaces, exposing them to the elements.

The best solution is to use acidic and solvent-based paint strippers for smooth and efficient removal. Below is a detailed look into both stripper types.

Caustic & Solvent Paint Strippers – Which One to Use?

Solvent-Based Paint Stripper

The solvent-based paint strippers make the paint swell and diminish the paint's bond to the surface. B17 stripper is the best example of a chemical solvent-based product. Since water serves as the "solvent" in these solutions, water-based technology is also included in the category of solvent-based paint strippers. Most will have minor amounts of solvent in their chemical makeup, but not nearly as solvent-based items are.

Methylene chloride was basically a component in solvent-based paint strippers. In 2010, the European Union outlawed the use of this chemical compound in consumer paint strippers because it posed numerous health hazards. Before purchasing any paint strippers containing methylene chloride, it will be necessary to provide documentation that the use of these products is now only permitted in workshops.

Therefore, use caution if you come upon an old tin of paint stripper. Methylene chloride, which is extremely flammable and presents another risk, has been replaced by different active components in many solvent-based paint removers. However, even with water-based paint strippers, caution should still be used when handling them.

Caustic Based Paint stripper

Because the components in caustic paint removers work to break down the compounds in the paint, they operate somewhat differently. They often contain sodium hydroxide as the active component and have a relatively high pH level. The oily components in the paint react with the sodium hydroxide and begin to break down the paint.

Again, caution should be used while using caustic paint remover because it might result in burns to the skin, for instance. As mentioned above, dampness can also be problematic since paint strippers with caustic bases draw moisture.

Caustic alkalis also harm wood's cellulose fibers, for instance, permanent harm. Hardwoods shouldn't ever be stripped of paint using products with caustic bases because doing so will turn the wood black.

Sodium hydroxide, STEL 2 mg/m3, is an extremely low amount of exposure to sodium hydroxide permitted at work by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

What Type of Paint Stripper to Use?

Whether you choose a caustic or solvent paint stripper, the choice depends on the coated surface, what paint has been used, and the condition of the coated surface. Generally, solvent-based paint removers are messier and are not that good at removing thick layers of built-up paint.

Due to its consistency, it is good to use caustic paint removers to remove thick layers of paint, and they are great to use on surfaces with detailed molding. However, you risk staining or scorching the wooden surfaces, for example, whereas solvent-based removers do not stain or damage the surface.

Modern formulations such as Thermoguard Thermostrip PRO from Rawlins Paints contain benzyl alcohol that penetrates multiple layers very easily. For large contracts such as exterior property stripping, these products can remove 20 layers of paint in one application when used in conjunction with a DOFF-powered steam system.

When to use Stripping Paint from Wood?

Do you want to keep the natural look of wood or recoat in a different color paint? If you want to keep the natural look and feel of the wood, there is no intricate carving, and the surface has not been previously coated in a thick layer of paint, then solvent-based paint remover could be the way to go as caustic paint removers can cause staining.

Whereas, if you want to strip a layer of varnish or paint, chemical paint stripping tends to be easier than sanding or sandblasting for wood. It is less harsh on the wood, and when dealing with intricately carved ornaments, you will not risk having to sand down some of their details.

Choosing the right paint stripper for wood depends on whether you are dealing with skirting boards, flooring, or wooden furniture. Patch testing is always recommended and follows the manufacturer’s instructions for each product.

What to Consider While Removing Paint from Brickwork?

There are other methods for removing paint from masonry, as previously mentioned. Using a power washer or sandblasting could be one of the quickest methods. The issue with this is that the masonry beneath the paint will almost certainly be harmed.

This kind of treatment might make your brickwork porous or brittle, which can ultimately result in permanent damage to your brickwork.

Be aware that, depending on the scope of your project, painting brickwork can take a lot of time. A test patch must be completed to confirm the paint remover's efficacy.

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