Safety and Setup Guidelines for
Refinishing-Stripping Furniture

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Using Paint Removers
Safety and Setting Up

Preparing furniture for a new finish is a rewarding experience. Knowing the proper use of chemical paint remover, and how to avoid potentially adverse effects from overexposure, will make the experience that much more enjoyable. Moreover, the confidence that comes from such knowledge will no doubt have a positive effect upon the quality of your work.

Listed below are some safety tips you should consult before and during your refinishing project.
1. Read the label carefully. Familiarize yourself with the safety precautions printed on the manufacturer's label. Refer to it periodically during the project.
2. Provide maximum fresh air flow through the work area. Avoid inhaling solvent vapors as much as possible. Take frequent fresh air breaks.
3. Wear safety goggles while handling the remover. If any remover gets into the eyes, wash with water. Keep your eyelids open, even if you have to hold them open with your fingers. (Keeping the eyelids open allows air in to evaporate the substance). If burning sensation persists after about ten minutes, see a physician.
4. Cover all skin areas. Wear chemical-resistant rubber gloves made of neoprene or butyl. Also wear long-sleeved shirt, pants, socks, shoes, and a hat or cap (especially if you're working at or above eye level). If any of the remover gets on the skin, wash off with soap and water.
5. Avoid smoking. Don't work in an area where there is a possibility of sparks or flames.
6. Open the container of remover carefully. Cover it with a cloth and open the cap slowly to allow the gases to escape gradually. Pour enough remover for your immediate working needs into a metal can and replace the cap tightly. Repeat this procedure each time you reopen the container. Store the container in a cool place when not in use.
7. Don't store unused paint remover around the house. Buy only what you need.
8. Keep paint remover and other household chemicals out of the reach of children.

Any potential health risk from exposure to paint removing chemicals depends on the amount and duration of exposure. Some physical symptoms that indicate overexposure are eye irritation, dizziness, light-headedness, and/or headache.

As soon as you experience any of these, take a break and get some fresh air. Do not resume the project until you have increased the ventilation through the work area. For your comfort and safety, take fresh-air breaks frequently and leave the work site whenever you are not actually applying or removing stripper.

Other Possible Effects

A portion of inhaled methylene chloride in paint stripper is converted by the body to carbon monoxide, which can lower the blood's ability to carry oxygen. When the solvent is used properly, however, the levels of carbon monoxide should not be hazardous.

Individuals with cardiovascular or pulmonary health problems should check with their physician prior to use of the paint stripper. Individuals experiencing severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pains should obtain proper medical care immediately.

Methylene chloride has been shown to cause cancer in certain laboratory animal tests. Recent laboratory studies indicate, however, that the response is unique to animals tested and not relevant to humans. Available human studies, moreover, do not provide the necessary information to determine whether methylene chloride causes cancer in humans.

Nevertheless, it is prudent to minimize exposure to solvent vapors.

Setting Up Your Work Site



Selecting a Work Site

  • The single most important consideration is the availability of fresh air. The best location is outdoors, preferably in a shaded area, a carport, or under some type of cover to shield the work from the sun. The sun will speed up the evaporation of the remover. A garage with windows and doors on two sides to create adequate cross ventilation also can be used. Avoid working indoors if at all possible.
  • If you must work indoors, open all windows and, if possible, all doors to achieve a strong flow of fresh air through the work area. It is advisable to use forced ventilation (fan) to improve the flow of fresh air. Because some removers are flammable, however, be sure to read the instructions on the label before using a fan as the friction between metal parts may spark and ignite the vapors. The label is the key. It will advise you on proper ventilation.
  • Do not allow children to play in the work area to avoid exposure to paint-removing chemicals.

Set Up

When setting up your work area, it is a good idea to elevate the work by using saw horses or some equally sturdy support. This accomplishes two things:

  • first, by having the work slightly above waist level, you will reduce the chance of getting a backache that often comes from prolonged bending;
  • second, for best results, the work should not touch the floor, I buy small disposable aluminum foil 6" baking pans at a local discount store and place them under the feet of the object I am stripping, the mess is caught in the pan making cleanup and disposal easy.

  • After you finish a section, wrap the remover/old finish in a thick fold of newspaper and place it outdoors, where the liquid will evaporate more quickly.
  • After each work session, place all other papers, rags, applicators, and waste (old-finish residue) outdoors. Be sure to collect all of the residue, as the old paint may contain harmful materials.
  • When the liquid has evaporated (it typically evaporates very fast), place all these materials into a metal container that has a secure lid.
  • You can then dispose of the material according to local waste disposal requirements. Contact your local sanitation department or waste disposal contractor for more information.
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