AutoStrip General Application and Removal Instructions

Mask any areas not being stripped with plastic and masking tape.
 

Auto Strip is applied to the surface at a total of approximately 1/32in thick (30 mils) with a brush, roller, putty knife or sprayer. Can be sprayed effectively using an airless sprayer. A wet mil gauge should be used to measure thickness.
 

Since it is often hard to know the type or the amount of paint on a surface, two small test areas should be stripped to determine the proper application and dwell time needed for paint removal to occur.

First Test Patch
Apply Auto Strip to the surface at a total of approximately 1/32in thick (30 mils). The patch then should be checked for dwell time as follows (only a portion at any one time): Check the patch first at 2 - 4 hours, then periodically thereafter. As a rule of thumb, the greater the layers of paint, the longer the product should be left on. They may require dwell times of 24 hours or longer.

Second Test Patch
In some situations, some surface coatings (usually latex) soften easily, causing puffing away from the surface.  In these cases, the remover works differently so the patch should be done as follows:

a. Apply a light coat of paint remover (approximately 5-10 mils) to the surface. Wait 2 - 6 hours. If the surface starts to pull away, the top-layers have lifted from the surface and can be easily removed with a scraper or knocked off the surface with a broom or other device. The paint remover has penetrated through these layers and begins to soften the remaining layers.

b. While the undercoats are still soft, apply another coat of remover at approximately 1/32in thick (20-25 mils) to the surface. The patch then should be checked for dwell time as follows (only a portion at any one time): Check the patch first at 2 - 4 hours, then periodically thereafter. As a rule of thumb, the greater the layers of paint, the longer the product should be left on. They may require dwell times of 24 hours or longer. This procedure usually applies to stripping ceilings.

Auto Strip will easily cling to vertical surfaces. Use your tool to fill detailed areas. For best results apply Sample-1 at temperatures between 60f and 80f. Product activity is reduced below a temperature of 60f and may require additional dwell time before all layers of paint are removed. If product freezes let thaw and stir vigorously until product is consistent. Coverage for Sample-1 varies between 50 and 75 sq ft/ga. depending upon the type and amount of paint on a surface. No Neutralization required. Clean-up with water.

Metal Surfaces
Agitate or rough up remover/paint on the surface with a wire brush without attempting removal. This helps to lift bottom layers from the surface. Use a 4in or wider razor blade scraper (wallpaper remover) or stiff putty knife (pipe railings or irregular surfaces should use the putty knife) to lift remover/paint off the surface. Use a wire brush with After-Strip to remove any residue.

Masonry, Concrete Surfaces
Remove bulk of remover/paint with a stiff putty knife or wire brush. Use a wire brush with After-Strip to remove any residue remaining. Residue can also be removed with a high-pressure washer where permitted.

Flat Wood Surfaces
Easiest removal is achieved Using a Back to Nature stainless steel scraper to strip remover/paint from the surface. Use a stiff bristle brush with After-Strip to remove any residue.

Flat Plaster Surfaces
Easiest removal is achieved using a 4in or wider razor blade scraper (commonly known as a wallpaper remover) to lift the remover/paint off the surface.

Decorative Plaster (or Wood)
Use a Back to Nature Stainless Steel Scraper with 5 function detail blade to lift the paint off the surface. Use a stiff bristle brush with After-Strip to remove any residue.

Misting the applied area with After-Strip prior to removal makes lifting of the paint or varnish easier. Misting with After-Strip also reactivates the product if it feels dry to the touch. Any residue left on a surface should be removed within a short period of time so that paint residue will not dry up and re-adhere. In some cases, it may look like the last layer of paint is still on the surface. This is not a dried layer, but paint which has been emulsified so it can be removed.

Safety goggles are recommended for eye protection. Wear protective gloves such as butyl rubber, neoprene. Maintain adequate ventilation especially in confined areas. If spraying or misting is expected use NIOSH approved chemical cartridge (organic vapor) respiratory equipment (full face respirator recommended).