Solvent Based Strippers

When we go out for an estimate these days we are running into a lot of new and updated coatings as the industry moves further away from oils. I see in many posts where a lot of people say "walk away" from that job and I see a few other methods folks are using. My question is are you using any solvent based strippers like Peel Away or Smart Strip and what are your opinions and results using these type of products. I ask this because of the increased number of estimates we are doing with varying types of water based products and the fact that I was talking with a VP at Sherwin Williams who stated to me that "oils are done" and the fact we are going to have to deal with these coatings moving forward. This could be a very productive thread for a lot of wood guys.

I totally agree Everett some coatings now a days are tough but not impossible with the right chemical to remove that certain coating.

good post!

I hear of some that add butyl to Hydroxide, Does that help with the stubborn failing stains?

I actually use a couple that have benzyl alcohol that are environmentally friendly and Peel Away is a blend of Calcium Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide , and Sodium Hydroxide. When we use these we usually apply them at the end of the day and leave overnight for morning removal. Unfortunately sanding is still an option as well and sometimes you still need both. Wondering how others deal with these situations?

Eaco chem has some solvent based strippers I have used. Pricey but got rid of sikkens like butter. Need the solvents to carry the stripper in.

How ironic we need solvents to get rid of water borne .

I just gave up a chance of being on TV of a major home improve show because I had to use Benny Moore products and wear a shirt . I told the producers I was involved in fixing a Arbor Coat nightmare at the present time and wouldn't sell out to the devil . Felt good! I did ask for my own show .

Great to hear from you Jim, hope all is well! Funny you mentioned Arbor Coat because I did a demo in front of their guys here with there "Remove" and it laughed at them. I seem to get 90% or better with the solvents. They are much more costly, usually adds at least another $1/sq.ft. to the job. If anyone should have their own show it would be you!!!

Diamond Jim said:

How ironic we need solvents to get rid of water borne .

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Exactly. Waterbornes don't protect as well so we end up using more wood.

And you have to use stronger chems when performing a maintenance coat.

:thumbdown:

I know the VOC rules are changing and most companies are switching their lines to the water-based products to avoid changing their oil formulas, but I know they won't be going away completely. Ready Seal is at 100 VOC level and that's even legal in California. Oils may just not be in all local stores anymore....

Tracy,

I don't necessarily disagree with your assessment of the future but the theme of the thread is missed. When we go out to perform estimates on decks we are going to have to deal more and more with these coatings. I was more bringing up how everyone is handling these issues and what their thoughts were on the solvent based strippers out there. The time has come where we are beginning to run into more water based coatings than oil based coatings when performing a previously coated deck. This will only increase, you are merely speaking of first time decks that we get. You do bring up one interesting point however, what are you going to say in the future when a customer thinks that "all oils are bad" because I can see that perception being embedded in customers heads. The landscape of coatings is a chang'in!