written by puffedpride on 12/03/2012
I really wanted to give a favourable review - as the product is easily the safest to use (but see below). For removing several layers of paint and varnish (some lead-based) from 100 yr old skirting boards, we wanted something that can safely remove the lead without any flaking and dust (due to toxicity of the lead). We also wanted to avoid chemically dangerous products. Sadly, the Homestrip - after 3 overnight applications - was still a long way from removing all the layers completely. It generally only attacks one layer of paint per application. Moreover, left overnight it results in a rubbery but dry-ish layer of scrape-able paint that flakes into small pieces and gets absolutely everywhere. This defeats the purpose of the exercise for us (to be able to cleanly remove and bag paint contained in gel that stays stuck to the scraper). In a sense then Homestrip is 'dangerous' for removing lead paint, if the paint scrapings are so hard to stop getting everywhere. Auro is an eco-friendly but unpleasant alternative that does a better (though not spectacular) job - 3 to 4 applications (left on for 2 hours each time) removed most of the paint and varnish beneath, and almost no flaking occurred. Warning though - it is highly caustic - great care required not to recieve burns. Goggles and chemical resistant gloves needed. It does not contain the really hazardous chemicals of 'mainstream' paint strippers however (eg carcinogens). Another eco option is Osmo paint stripper. Apply overnight and cover with foil. 3 applications removed most of the layers - but there is some dgree of flaking and mess, though much less than Home strip. It is a far less innocuous product though, and only 'kind of' eco and 'kind of' safe, as far as I can tell fronm the tin. I would still use the Homestrip on one or two layers if I knew no lead was present - due to its unrivalled safety. But its not one for tough jobs.
written by on 08/04/2010
After searching for ages trying to find a product that was safe to use on plasterboard I came across Home Strip Paint & Varnish Remover after reader about it here www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/paintstrip.htm
So I purchased a tub for £20 and set to work, applied it like directed and left it to do its stuff.
I then attempted to scrape the paint off and this is where the problems started, the paint had turned to a gooey sticky mess that was impossible to remove with a scarper.
I spent to next 2 hours trying to remove the mess, so unless I was doing something wrong I would say this product is no good for emulsion paint on plasterboard so if like me you are looking for a easy way to remove paint, don't buy this product as you will be very disappointed.
written by salasco on 19/05/2008
I bought Eco SOlutions Paint Remover to strip an old wooden panel door and while it took off the newer paint reasonably well it had little real effect on the older paint below. Where it did get down to the wood, it soaked into the wood causing damage to the carved panel mouldings.
Written on: 09/01/2009
This product could not have damaged the wood at all as it is Ph Neutral and contains no nasty chemicals at all. The only possible reason is if the wood was either MDF or you did something else afterwards perhaps?
Written on: 09/06/2010
I have been using many different products over the past 20 years to remove paint and varnish form various jobs that i have restored to re sell or in my own home.
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<br/>I am not connected with Eco Solutions at all, but feel strongly that this Home Strip product is better than other products on the market. Solvent paint removers I have used for many years prior to discovering Eco Soltuions products, and believe me they are deadly, but would not damage softwood mouldings and the same goes for Home Strip or any other water based product will not damage softwood.
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<br/>I am not sure what game your in, but you certainly do not know anything about timbers.
Written on: 20/01/2017
Wood absorbs water it's got nothing to do with PH
Written on: 12/01/2009
To pbp, I stand by my review, the wood was softwood and no other product or process was used. The damage was caused by this water-based product soaking into the wood. As wood absorb water it expands causing the surface fibres to swell up and become rough and brittle. As I have said, this product works but not that well, and with reservations.
<br/> I can see from your other reviews and comments that you are very enthusiastic about Eco solution products. Strangely you don't seem to be the only "Pbp" on the internet. I have found 5 others on various DIY sites. Strangely they also seem to think Eco Solutions products are fantastic.
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Andrewchivers's Response to puffedpride's Review
Written on: 28/03/2012
I am sorry to hear that Home Strip was not a sucess for you, but you say in your review:
"after 3 overnight applications - was still a long way from removing all the layers completely. It generally only attacks one layer of paint per application.
Moreover, left overnight it results in a rubbery but dry-ish layer of scrape-able paint that flakes into small pieces and gets absolutely everywhere"
Now leaving Home Strip on overnight is the way we would suggest but you would need to cover the Home Strip with plastic film (cling film) this will force the Home Strip down through the multi layered paint and WILL remove up to 8 coats on one overnight application!
When a paint remover is applied to a multi-layered substrate it will of course blister the first coat which in turn will lift the paint remover away from the next coat and stop it working!
Auro paint remover does contain Caustic and would steer away from such an agressive chemical. This can also remove newly applied paint about 6 months after if you do not neutralise the area first.
Osmo Paint remover you mention contains "Ethanol" which is the main ingredient and would not recommend using this to remove lead-based paints. The solvent evapourates and leaves you with dry paint. It is also highly flammable! Certainly not Eco Friendly.
Home Strip is actually specifed for use in removing lead based paints and has been used sucessfully in projects by conservation groups all over the UK where there has been a danger of lead in paint.
Home Strip has also been tested by the Insitute of Occupational medicine - Link - http://www.ecosolutions.co.uk/docs/health%20&%20safety%20news.pdf
If used correctly Home Strip is the safest and most effective paint remover on the market today. The instruction sate to try a test area first! and also if leaving overnight to cover with plastic film.
Puffedpride's Response to puffedpride's Review
Written on: 29/03/2012
Andrew Chivers - i will try your suggestion and feedback how it worked on the same job.
Sweetcorn82's reply to Puffedpride's Comment
Written on: 17/03/2013
Hi
Was thinking of using this product on the same job as you described, I would be interested to know how you got along using cling film method?
Puffedpride's reply to Sweetcorn82's Comment
Written on: 18/03/2013
Definitely works better with clingfilm method. Doesn't dry out or flake nearly as much. Still needed 3 applications to get several layers of paint off. Given applications are cling-filmed and left on overnight, it gives you an idea of how long a job can take! But that is the price of having a very safe product, I guess. I would use it again.......but only because there is no pressure time-wise for me, so it's doable.
Andrewchivers's reply to Puffedpride's Comment
Written on: 19/03/2013
Hi
Glad you got on well with Home Strip, but would like to know why it took so long as on overnight process should take more off.
The only thing that can slow the removal process is very cold temperatures, and wondered if this was inside or out?
Sweetcorn82's reply to Puffedpride's Comment
Written on: 19/03/2013
Thanks for your reply, very helpful as I was in two minds after reading other reviews! Under no time frame so I'll give it a go but maybe just in my bathroom as at three coats I imagine the cost would be to great to do my whole flat! Fingers crossed!
Andrewchivers's reply to Sweetcorn82's Comment
Written on: 19/03/2013
The cling film method works very well, as placing the film over the top stops the paint blistering and lifting away from the surface which usually stops it from working its magic and the other paint. It also keeps the product wet making it work for longer periods.
An overnight process can soften and remove up to 8 coats in just one application of home strip. The secret is making sure you have a really good thick coat of home strip on first as having patchy won't give good results.
The product is thixotropic meaning its quite fluid when being brushed on, so I recommend applying a coat leaving for five mins then going lightly over again with a second coat.
Sweetcorn82's reply to Andrewchivers's Comment
Written on: 19/03/2013
With the old products (pre 2010) I used to score into paint work to get the stripper to seep in, is this recommended with your product? Also with the old stuff it took three coats to get back to the bare wood, how many would you say your product needs on the same piece of wood to achieve the same result as it doesn't contain the harmful (but strong) chemicals? Many thanks
Andrewchivers's reply to Sweetcorn82's Comment
Written on: 20/03/2013
Only on Vinyl Silks I would recommend this, but it would open the paint surface up and get it to work quicker.
On old paints it should take three coats off if using the cling film method, but we also say to use a stainless steel scouring ball dipped in a bowl of warm soapy water to remove the softened paint.
This gives a much cleaner result and gets into any ornate surfaces,along with removing any paint or primer stuck in the grain. It also cuts in the surface of the next coat if not softened and forms a key for re-application.