Stripping paint is a nasty job at best.
A new product called Peel-Away 7
does the job without any of the
potential toxic side effects. Instead of
methylene chloride or methanol, this
product relies on a non-evaporating
chemical called N-methyl-2-pyrolidine,
or NMP. Just brush it on and
leave it overnight; it will eat through
multiple layers of paint without evaporating
or releasing toxic fumes.
The manufacturer says that, unlike
traditional strippers, Peel-Away 7 will
remove almost any type of coating,
from lead, alkyd, and latex paint to
polyurethane and elastomerics. And
though the stuff costs more than traditional
strippers — a gallon sells for
$40 to $50 and will do about 50
square feet — labor savings may
reduce overall