The Green Way to Strip Cabinets for Repainting or Staining

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 Entry #1464, August 14, 2012

If you are thinking about repainting or staining your current cabinets, you may need to strip off the current paint. Before you do, have you considered the green and eco-friendly way to take on the task? Similar to painting, paint strippers can be toxic and harmful to your health, especially if used without ventilation, around small children and the elderly, etc…

Before you strip your cabinets, look at these healthy tips

Image via: Traditional Home

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Removing old paint

First, about stripping off old paint. If you think the paint contains lead, then you should test it to be sure before stripping.

• There are inexpensive lead test kits available almost everywhere.

Franmar makes a brand new product called Lead Out which is a lead-based paint
remover that renders lead paint non-hazardous for safe removal and inexpensive disposal.

If you’re sure there is no lead, then Soy-Gel would be our stripper of choice as it’s very effective and non-toxic.

The ins and outs of picking a new paint

Second, about what green paint to use.

In an effort to comply with national codes and to maintain market share, many large paint companies have modified their original formulas in order to become greener. Some have become certified by third party organizations that verify a product is in compliance.

Most paint manufacturers now make a low or no VOC paint; however, customers continue to complain about poor coverage or off-gassing that lasts for months. Why is that?

Unfortunately, almost all certifying organizations rely on MSDS voluntarily provided by paint companies. MSDS which stands for Material Safety Data Sheet, contains a list of ingredients that are “known” hazards, as well as other ingredients. There are thousands of deregulated chemicals, however, that are either unknown or have been grandfathered into the list of products considered safe by the TSCA (Toxic Substance Control Act) without any testing whatsoever.

As shocking as this may seem, what’s even more surprising is that some toxic substances may be protected under law by our government because they are proprietary ingredients. In other words, you can’t trust the MSDS for all your information and yet that is all the technical information these third party agencies have to go on. None of them do their own testing on humans as it is far too expensive and time consuming for the hundreds of chemicals that exist in a normal can of paint.

Green tips for stripping kitchen cabinets

Image via: Greige Design

Also, just because a product contains zero VOC does not mean that it is safe. Often these products still contain hazardous ingredients not classified as VOCs.

• Acetone and ammonia, for example, are used in paint all the time. They don’t cause outdoor air pollution, so they are not considered VOCs; yet they are toxic to humans.
• Read the MSDS and you’ll be surprised to find that acetone and ammonia do not appear to contain anything dangerous, yet everyone knows their odor can cause serious negative physical reactions in humans.

Use these helpful tips before deciding to repaint or restain your cabinets. Remember, just because it says one thing, doesn’t always mean it is healthy. Ensure you and your family are safe and that your kitchen reflects a beautiful outcome.

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.