Cleanup & Disposal
As you finish a section, wrap the remover/old finish in a thick fold of newspaper and place outdoors, where the liquid will evaporate quicker. After each work session, place all other papers, rags, applicators and waste (old-finish residue) outdoors. Be sure to collect all of the residue, as the old paint may contain toxic materials.
Clean work materials such as the scraper and paintbrush with Kwikeeze brush cleaner, mineral spirits or if using water wash method then detergent solution.
When the liquid has evaporated (it typically evaporates very fast), place all these materials into a metal container that has a secure lid. You can then dispose of the material according to local waste disposal requirements. Contact your local sanitation department or waste disposal contractor for more information.
Safety First
Preparing a surface for a new finish should be rewarding experience. Knowing the proper use of a chemical paint remover, and how to avoid potentially adverse effects from overexposure, will make the experience that much more enjoyable. Moreover, the confidence that comes from such knowledge will no doubt have a positive effect upon the quality of your work. Following are general discussions related to short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) health effects pertaining to the use of chemical paint removers. Any potential health risk from exposure to paint removing chemicals depends on the amount and duration of exposure.
Health Effects
Exposure to high levels of paint removers over short periods of time can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Other symptoms of high exposure are dizziness, headache and lack of coordination. The occurrence of any of these symptoms indicates that you are being exposed to an excessive amount of the substance. At the onset of any of these symptoms, you should leave the work area and get some fresh air. Do not resume the project until you have increased the ventilation through the work area.
