Chemical-free Paint Removal Options Fill the Gap Left by EPA Ban – and Then Some
Contractors seeking safer alternatives to chemical paint stripping are often surprised to learn how effective non-chemical blasting methods can be.
It’s a welcome discovery in light of the hazards of paint strippers containing methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, a chemical banned for most uses by the Environmental Protection Agency last year after at least 88 fatalities attributed to acute exposure. Exposure to methylene chloride is also known to cause cancer, neurotoxicity and liver damage, according to the EPA.
The EPA’s ban of most uses of methylene chloride followed a CBS News investigation and a decision by retailers Home Depot, Lowe’s and Sherwin-Williams to pull products containing methylene chloride from their stores in 2018.
Chemical-Free, Water-Free Blasting for Paint Removal
The ban is of little consequence for many restoration contractors already using chemical-free dry ice blasting and sponge blasting. Both are safe and effective alternatives for many paint removal applications. They have the added advantage of also being water-free, eliminating the need to reclaim hundreds or thousands of gallons of potentially contaminated water and undertake time-consuming efforts to prevent mold and mildew.
Here is an overview of both methods, which are sometimes used in combination, especially for restoration work where surfaces like aged brick require a delicate touch but may also have multiples layers of paint that require more abrasion to remove. Contractors like dry ice blasting for its ability to tackle fragile substrates with adjustable force, but sponge blasting can provide a higher level of abrasion for paint that is firmly adhered.
Safe, Effective Dry Ice Blasting for Chemical-Free Paint Removal
Dry ice blasting works by propelling frozen CO2 pellets to dislodge paint, grime and other adherents with an adjustable force that can be delicate enough for cleaning fragile surfaces like old brick or electronics equipment, but forceful enough to remove a wide array of stubborn buildup. Dry ice blasting is often the method of choice for paint preparation applications with its ability to remove peeling and flaking paint from fragile surfaces incompatible with abrasive blasting methods.
To see for yourself the results of dry ice blasting in a variety of commercial, industrial and restoration settings, visit our before and after gallery.
Chemical-Free Paint Removal with Sponge Blasting
For more firmly adhered paint, sponge blasting delivers more abrasive force with various abrasive media packed inside sponge particles that help protect fragile surfaces. Reusable synthetic sponge pieces are embedded with up to 20 different types and sizes of media, ranging from 0 to 150 microns (0 to 6 millimeters) depending on how much abrasion is needed.
Sponge blasting is also highly effective for dust suppression and a more environmentally friendly method than alternatives like hydroblasting or sandblasting. In one recent project, the Polar Clean team used sponge blasting to successfully remove layers of old paint from 90,000 square-feet of interior walls, an outside wall and four stairwells in a Florida corrections facility.
To learn more about chemical-free blasting alternatives for paint removal and other applications, contact a member of the Polar Clean team. Our work begins with a careful assessment to determine the right cleaning method and process for your application, including any need for containment structures or specialized processes. Our training and certifications cover a comprehensive array of settings and advanced skills including working at heights, in confined spaces, and in settings that require abatement for lead paint.