Let’s face it: Stripping wood is a drag. We approach
the job knowing it’s difficult and messy, but hoping we can reclaim a
jewel from the muck. Knowing what to use and how to use it is essential to
success. Here’s a rundown of the three basic types of strippers and how
to use them safely and effectively.
Safety First
Stripping chemicals range from hazardous to almost-safe. Some strippers require you to use less protection than others, but always err on the side of safety and follow these guidelines:
Protect your body with long pants, a long-sleeve shirt and a solvent-proof apron.
At a minimum, wear splash-proof goggles, not just safety glasses. Use a full face shield when you’re working with caustic strippers. The lye will burn your skin and eyes.
Wear long chemical-resistant gloves and turn back the ends into cuffs so that when you lift your arm, the stripper drips into the cuff, not onto your arm. (Take them off to scratch your nose!)
Work only in areas with good ventilation, preferably outdoors. If you (or someone with a “fresh” nose) smell fumes, you need more ventilation. Avoid working with chemical strippers in basements, since many fumes are heavier than air and sink to the floor, where they’re hard to eliminate.
Wear a respirator with new cartridges rated for use with organic solvents. Respirators are only secondary protection; you can’t depend on them. Ventilation is the key.
Some strippers, especially those called “refinishers,” are highly flammable. If the container says the stripper is flammable, keep sparks and flames away from your work area. Be especially aware of gas pilot lights, electronic spark igniters, and even light switches and electrical plugs. If you use a fan to increase ventilation, position it so that you are between the fan and the open window or door. Have the fan push clean air toward you, and the vapors away from both you and the fan. That way you won’t be drawing vapor-filled air through a spark-producing fan motor.
