Replies

1. 
   Gretchen | Jun 07, 2002 01:39am | #1

   I have always believed that if it seems to be too good to be true....well, you know.  And these will ALWAYS be very expensive!

   There is Citrus Strip that is "friendly".  It really depends on the job and sometimes you just need to go to the heavy duty stuff.  Everyone says the more environmentally friendly stuff just takes longer.  Sometimes "forever" is just too long.

   Gretchen
2. 
   DaveinPa | Jun 07, 2002 05:47pm | #2

   I used that Citruis Strip once and thats the last time I'll use it. You brush it on and let it sit for a min. of 30 minutes then test it to see if its stripping the paint. If not you have to put some more on it. Don't let it dry up on you if you get involved in something else. What a mess.

1. 
   darrel | Jun 07, 2002 06:07pm | #3

   Well, perhaps I should rephrase my question.

   What would people recommend that I use to strip the paint?

   My first concern is the window sills. They need to be stripped so that I can patch a few spots with epoxy or wood preservative, and then put a new coat on. They aren't overly painted right now...maybe only 2-3 coats.

   The second concern is the front door. It's getting a few minor surface splits that need to be filled in. So, I'd like to strip it, fill it, and maybe stain it, if the surface is OK, or just repaint it.

   The heat gun solution may work, but I've heard that's not the best way to do it if you are planning on staining afterwords.

   I'm OK with chemical strippers. My main priority is that it works, second priority is getting one that works with the least toxicity.

1. 
   Gretchen | Jun 07, 2002 07:11pm | #4

   I'm OK with chemical strippers. My main priority is that it works, second priority is getting one that works with the least toxicity.

   If you want the fastest and probably easiest stripper get the can of stripper that is the heaviest--it will have the most methylene chloride in it.  It is corrosive and must be used with care but that is not an impossibility. Use in good ventilation and with proper covering.Gretchen

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 09, 2002 06:46pm | #6

   It's a truism that the paint stripper with the longest list of cautions on the can is the most effective. The most effective are those that contain the highest amount of methylene chloride. Buy the heaviest can as MC is very heavy and the heaviest can with have the highest concentration.

   I like to get the job done the fastest so the one that works the fastest is best for me. There is no "safe" finish stripper. All are dangerous if they are used improperly. Use properly according to directions as all can be used safely.

3. 
   DougU | Jun 10, 2002 12:21am | #7

   Darrel

   Look for the stripper that is banned in 49 states, that is the best stripper, and use common sense because it is dangerous, there are strippers that are less toxic and they also do less work, so its a trade off. My feeling is if I'm going to do it I want what works and what works fast.

   Doug

1. 
   Alan | Jun 10, 2002 06:52am | #8

   I used a "safe" stripper one time.  I believe it was made by 3M (?) and they even called it "Safe Stripper" or something like that.  Wow.  It really was perfectly safe.  It didn't even hurt the paint!

   Alan

3. 
   uncommontree | Jun 09, 2002 07:27am | #5

   Darrel

   We have used this product on stripping woodwork in our house.We have 6 cats and it was march in Wisconsin so we needed something that was low odor,this is it .Do follow the instructions to the letter and you should get good results.On the down side we seem to be having trouble finding it in larger sizes.

   You can go out and buy a small container and try it out for your self. I think you will be pleasantly suprised.We were.        Take care.............Rick      ADESIGNS