Solvents Digest 22 - Methylene chloride first choice for paint stripping applications

The European Commission is considering the need for legislation on the use of methylene chloride as a paint stripper. An ECSA survey of paint stripping users and formulators reveals they want paint stripper that is:

Fast acting-paint removal in 1-3 hours
Effective-stripping multiple layers and easy to use in difficult access areas
Low odour
Low cost
Safe - no health risks or flammability concerns
Less likely to be subject to solvent abuse (sniffing)
Causes no substrate damage

Methylene chloride satisfies all these requirements and is used extensively for paint stripping because of its excellent and rapid performance, without flammability issues.

Data shows that methylene chloride can be used without health risks as long as appropriate safety measures are followed.

ECSA notes that alternatives with less volatile solvents all have disadvantages. The stripping rate is at least 12 times slower, with application times of up to 48 hours. Less volatile co-solvents added to accelerate the stripping effect may cause the paint stripper to be potentially flammable, or increase the rate at which substances can penetrate the skin, and experience suggests these co-solvents are more likely to be used in "solvent sniffing" (Volatile Substance Abuse) than methylene chloride.

Use of physical processes, such as sanding or hot air guns, is not without risks. Apart from being time-consuming, they create dust and fumes, which are a nuisance and may carry toxic ingredients, such as lead.

ECSA says there are other systems that could substitute methylene chloride paint strippers, but it is not clear if the alternative routes are less hazardous, or provide a significantly lower risk in use by the consumer.