Removing or stripping paint from any type of surface is seldom an easy job. Every surface takes paint differently and every type of paint reacts differently to the surfaces. Add in environmental conditions and paint removal takes a bit of study and, usually, some elbow grease to accomplish.

For years, most professional painters and do-it-yourselfers have relied on chemical-based paint strippers. While they can do a good job, many are also highly toxic to humans and the environment. Improper use of chemical strippers can cause damage to the respiratory system, brain, nervous system, and skin.1

One of the worst offenders and potentially deadly chemicals in paint strippers is methylene chloride.1 Major home improvement stores have pulled products that contain the chemical from their shelves, but it is still readily available.

Before you tackle a paint removal job, take time to read the labels on commercial paint strippers. In addition to methylene chloride, active ingredients that are potentially dangerous to your health include toluene, methanol, and acetone.

Soy-Based Gel Paint Removers

Soy-based paint removers contain methyl soyate, a methyl ester distilled from soybean oil. This bio-based solvent is much more sustainable and environmentally friendly than petroleum-based products. It is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), has a low flammability, and no ozone-depleting chemicals.

Safe to use on wood, concrete, and metal, these soy-based gels work effectively but take a bit longer to lift the paint from the surface. The product is applied with a paintbrush and can be left on the paint surface for several hours because it does not evaporate or drip. The longer a soy-based stripper remains on the paint, the easier the final removal will be.

Citrus-Based Paint Removers

Citrus-based paint strippers contain terpenes, organic compounds derived from plants, usually oranges. Another example of a terpene used in paint removal is turpentine produced from pine resin.

Citrus-based removers typically have an orange or citrus-scent and, like soy-based gels, work more slowly in removing paint than stronger chemicals. They are safe to use on any painted or varnished surface. While these strippers are biodegradable, they do still contain some harmful chemicals and should be disposed of properly.

Manual Paint Removal

Skipping any type of paint stripper may seem like the most non-toxic method to remove paint. Unfortunately, there are still some hazards from the paint itself, especially lead paint in older homes.2 If you choose to manually remove paint, always wear a mask, safety glasses, and other protective gear.

There are several methods you can employ to manually remove paint.

• Scrape away paint: Using a plastic or metal paint scraper is effective in removing peeling paint, but must be used carefully to prevent damaging the surface under the paint.
• Use a heat gun: A heat gun can be used to loosen paint to a point where it will eventually bubble making scraping easier.
• Sand away: Using an electric sander or manually removing paint with sandpaper takes patience and skill. Take care not to sand too deeply or the surfaces will be permanently marred.

How to Remove Paint From Metal

If you have small metal items covered or splattered with paint like door, cabinet or furniture hardware or outlet covers, baking soda and boiling water can make paint removal simple. When the objects are heated, the metal and the paint expand at different rates causing a break in the bond.

What You Need

The supplies and tools needed to remove paint from metal are items that can be found in most households.

• Water
• Baking soda
• Paper towels
• Large pan
• Tongs
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Flexible scraper

01. Mix Cleaning Solution

Pour at least one quart of water or enough to completely cover the painted metal items into the pot and add one-fourth cup baking soda.

02. Heat Water and Add Hardware

Bring the water to a boil. Using tongs, add the painted items making sure that they do not overlap or touch the sides of the pan. Reduce the heat and allow the items to remain in the simmering water for at least 15 minutes.

03. Remove From Heat

Use the tongs to remove the hot items to cool on some newspaper or disposable towels.

04. Scrape Away Excess Paint

When they are cool enough to handle, use an old toothbrush or stiff-bristled brush to remove any paint that remains. You may need to repeat the process with a fresh batch of water and baking soda.

Clean Paint From Hard Plastic Items

Removing paint from hard plastic items is similar to removing paint from metal items. For hard plastic items like outlet covers that are covered with paint, bring the water and baking soda mixture to a boil and then remove from the heat. Add the plastic items but only allow them to soak for only five minutes. Remove from the water and gently scrape away the paint residue with a flexible scraper.