Strip Old Paint Away without the Toxins

Posted on October 17, 2008 by Joyce Benson Add a Comment |
Tag(s): Going Green, Green Furnishings, Hazardous Products / Health Issues

If you like to refinish old pieces of furniture, but are concerned about the outrageous odors and harmful fumes that conventional paint strippers exude, now there are alternative, non-toxic paint strippers on the market. These new paint strippers may be a little more expensive than traditional strippers, but they are certainly a healthier option.

Indoor Air Quality is an important issue and is definitely one of the main reasons that people today are going green with interior furnishings and finishes. Americans typically spend about 90% of the time indoors, but the air inside can be much more polluted than the air outside. Thankfully, there are measures we can take to clear the air inside our homes and buildings, especially when children or other susceptible persons are present.

During home decor, craft projects, and furniture refinishing, opt for non-toxic paint strippers like:

CitriStrip – by Specialty Environmental Technologies, in Auburn Hills, MI.
Woodfinisher’s Pride – by W.M.Barr & Co, in Memphis, TN.
Ameristrip- by Safe Alternatives Corp, in Ridgefield, CT.
Peel Away- by Dumond Chemicals, in New York.

Of course, when re-painting or re-staining, it’s best to use non-toxic, VOC-free paints and stains as well. They are readily available almost everywhere nowadays.

Photo courtesy of Menlo School