Types of Paint Strippers and Removers
Are you tempted to paint over layers of paint on a piece of antique furniture, baseboards or a fireplace? It's not a good idea. Your new paint or stain job will look bumpy, uneven and inconsistent. By using a stripper, you'll remove layers of old paint, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting result. However, it's critical that you're using the right product for your project. Here are a few considerations before you get started.
Surface Type
The majority of paint removers and strippers can be used on multiple surfaces, including metal, wood and masonry. But check the label carefully to ensure the product you're selecting works on your surface.
What Can They Remove?
Paint removers and strippers can remove multiple layers of dried latex and oil-based paint, shellac, polyurethane, epoxy, spray paint, alkyd paint, varnish and lacquer.
Form
Strippers and removers come in several different forms including:
- Liquids: These strippers work best for paint.
- Sprays: Sprays work well to remove latex paint, oil paint and polyurethane.
- Gels: Strippers and removers available in gel form work well for vertical areas because of their ability to cling to surfaces.
- Semi-pastes: These also work well on vertical surfaces because they're brushable and stick to the surface.
- Pastes: These are ideal for stripping furniture because paste adheres to detailed areas and clings to vertical surfaces.
Strength
Strippers and removers come in various different formulas. Regular strength formulas can remove up to five layers of dried paint and take about an hour to work. Extra-strength formulas can handle tough jobs in less time, stripping away multiple paint layers in less than an hour.
Some paint strippers and removers are known to be hazardous. Read the label carefully before use and follow all precautions and instructions as outlined.
VOC emissions standards prohibit sales of some household consumer products, including some paint stripper and remover formulations, in select States and jurisdictions. Check your local and state laws before buying or using any paint stripper or remover for your project. Lowe’s offers compliant VOC paint strippers and remover formulations in most regulated jurisdictions.
Types of Paint Thinners
Paint thinner can thin out numerous substances including:
- stain
- varnish or polyurethane
- oil-based paint and stain
- water-based paint and stain
- adhesive
- contact and rubber cement
- lacquer
- shellac
Thinners can also be used to clean paint sprayers and brushes immediately after you use them. We'll explain the various types of paint thinners, so you can select the right one for your project.
Like paint strippers and removers, some paint thinners are known to be hazardous. Read the label carefully before use and follow all precautions and instructions as outlined.
VOC emissions standards prohibit sales of some household consumer products, including some paint thinner formulations, in select States and jurisdictions. Check your local and state laws before buying or using any paint thinner for your project. Lowe’s offers VOC compliant paint thinner formulations in most regulated jurisdictions.
Acetone
Acetone is a paint thinner that can be used to thin fiberglass resins, epoxy and adhesive. It can also clean project residue. Acetone is a fast-acting thinner that dries quickly.
Lacquer Thinner
Lacquer thinner is used to thin lacquers and epoxies and can also be used to clean paint tools and equipment. VOC compliant options are available for sale in most regulated jurisdictions.
Boiled Linseed Oil
Boiled linseed oil is produced from the seed of the flax plant and processed to dry faster than raw linseed oil. It's used to thin oil-based paint, as well as to seal and protect fine wood and antiques from warping, scratches and watermarks. It increases the durability of dried paint and the gloss of oil-based paints.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Substitute
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Substitute is used to thin specialty coatings such as polyester and epoxy resins, ink, adhesives and contact cement. It is recommended for use when a rate of evaporation slower than acetone is desired.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Substitute is not available for purchase in certain states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island or Utah.
Odorless Mineral Spirits
Odorless Mineral Spirits are used to thin stain, varnish and oil-based paint. It's not recommended for water-based or latex paints. You can also use odorless mineral spirits to clean paint brushes and equipment. VOC compliant options are available for sale in most regulated jurisdictions.
Odorless Mineral Spirits and Odorless Mineral Spirits Substitute are not available for sale in California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Naphtha
Naphtha is used to thin varnishes and enamels. Use Naphtha when you need faster drying times as it dries quicker than paint thinner. Naphtha is also great for cleaning oily, waxy or greasy surfaces, such as machine parts.
Naptha is not available for purchase in certain states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island or Utah.
Turpentine
If you have an art project planned, you can use turpentine to thin and clean your art paints. Do not use as a thinner for water-based paint, latex coatings, lacquer and shellac. Do not use as a general-purpose cleaner.
Turpentine is not available for purchase in California.
Xylene
Xylene thins specified oil-based paint, lacquer, varnish, epoxy, adhesives and synthetic enamels when a slower rate of evaporation is desired. It will also remove certain adhesives and is an excellent clean-up solvent for tools and equipment immediately after use. Use only as specified by the coating, adhesive or hobby product manufacturer. Do not use as a general-purpose cleaner.
Xylene is not available for purchase in certain states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island or Utah.