Paint removers are either caustics or solvents whose purpose is to strip paints and coatings while also cleaning a surface. Paint stripping solvents work by penetrating the layers of paint, causing it to swell, which in turn weakens the paint’s adhesion to the surface.
While there are several paint removers on the option, there are some that work better—and safer—than others.
What Is the Ideal Paint Remover?
When searching for the ideal paint remover, there are specific characteristics that companies and individuals look for. The most desirable trait would be an aggressive product that gets the job done quickly and efficiently, such as one-step removers.
However, many companies are now seeking the following traits from paint-removing products:
- Eco-friendliness
- Biodegradability
- Low toxicity
- Cost-effectiveness
The active ingredient in most efficient paint stripping products is dichloromethane, a carcinogen with serious associated health risks that have been proven to contribute to ozone depletion.
Fortunately, many companies are now realizing the dangers of using traditional paint strippers, particularly to workers and the environment, and are beginning to seek eco-friendly options, such as Safe Strip.
What Is Safe Strip?
Safe Strip is a paint and resin solvent, but it’s not like any other paint stripping product. Safe Strip was formulated by Ecolink, with the intent of replacing traditionally used hazardous solvents like TCE, MEK, and BioSafe 1025, which was discontinued due to associated health risks and potential environmental impact.
On the other hand, Safe Strip exhibits the following highly desirable characteristics and benefits:
- Biodegradable
- No ozone-depleting components
- Recyclable, making it cost-efficient
- Non-flammable
- Strong performance, comparable to MEK
- One-step coating removal
- Low VOC emissions
- Effective on all coatings
- Significantly lower Inhalation Hazard Index than traditional solvents like MEK
- Can be used in immersion tanks, as a brush-on, rinse-off solvent
When looking at the benefits of using Safe Strip, a highly effective eco-friendly paint remover, over traditional solvents, it is clear that companies no longer must choose between quality and safety for the environment/workers.
Looking to Purchase Safe Strip for Your Industrial/Business Needs?
You are in the perfect place! At Ecolink, we pride ourselves on providing environmentally preferred chemicals for businesses wanting to create a safer work environment. Check out the Safe Strip product page, or click here to get in touch with one of our expert team members.
Benefits of Safe Strip – An Eco-Friendly Paint Remover
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersPaint removers are either caustics or solvents whose purpose is to strip paints and coatings while also cleaning a surface. Paint stripping solvents work by penetrating the layers of paint, causing it to swell, which in turn weakens the paint’s adhesion to the surface.
While there are several paint removers on the option, there are some that work better—and safer—than others.
What Is the Ideal Paint Remover?
When searching for the ideal paint remover, there are specific characteristics that companies and individuals look for. The most desirable trait would be an aggressive product that gets the job done quickly and efficiently, such as one-step removers.
However, many companies are now seeking the following traits from paint-removing products:
The active ingredient in most efficient paint stripping products is dichloromethane, a carcinogen with serious associated health risks that have been proven to contribute to ozone depletion.
Fortunately, many companies are now realizing the dangers of using traditional paint strippers, particularly to workers and the environment, and are beginning to seek eco-friendly options, such as Safe Strip.
What Is Safe Strip?
Safe Strip is a paint and resin solvent, but it’s not like any other paint stripping product. Safe Strip was formulated by Ecolink, with the intent of replacing traditionally used hazardous solvents like TCE, MEK, and BioSafe 1025, which was discontinued due to associated health risks and potential environmental impact.
On the other hand, Safe Strip exhibits the following highly desirable characteristics and benefits:
When looking at the benefits of using Safe Strip, a highly effective eco-friendly paint remover, over traditional solvents, it is clear that companies no longer must choose between quality and safety for the environment/workers.
Looking to Purchase Safe Strip for Your Industrial/Business Needs?
You are in the perfect place! At Ecolink, we pride ourselves on providing environmentally preferred chemicals for businesses wanting to create a safer work environment. Check out the Safe Strip product page, or click here to get in touch with one of our expert team members.
Eco-Friendly Resin Remover Replacements for BioSafe 1025
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersThe process of resin and epoxy removal is generally tedious and may require a strong cleaning agent to speed up the process.
The most common resin removals chemicals, such as benzene, toluene, and MEK, are hazardous and carcinogenic, with many companies not knowing the adverse health effects associated with their use. Another example of a hazardous resin remover is BioSafe 1025, which was discontinued due to the risks associated with the product.
Fortunately, Ecolink has formulated a strong and eco-friendly replacement for risky products like BioSafe 1025, called Safe Strip.
Why Was Biosafe 1025 Discontinued?
Though many companies were dependent on the Biosafe 1025 solvent for resin and coating removal processes, the product was found to possess multiple serious health risks, some of which include:
Why Is Safe Strip the Ideal Replacement?
When it comes to choosing an environmentally preferred product, Safe Strip is the perfect choice for commercial and industrial paint/resin removal. Utilizing Safe Strip over products like BioSafe 1025 provides multiple benefits:
Safe Strip is unique in that it possesses the same aggressive stripping qualities as environmentally toxic and hazardous products but with fewer negative side effects. With Safe Strip’s strengths and benefits, companies don’t have to choose between quality and safety for workers and the environment.
Looking for Eco-Friendly Resin Removers?
At Ecolink, we provide environmentally preferred industrial chemicals for your industrial needs.
Interested in Safe Strip? Check out the product page, or click here to reach out to specialized staff with any questions regarding products and samples.
Types of Industrial Strength Paint Removers
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersPaint removers are aggressive chemicals that are used to strip various paints and coatings. They work by penetrating the layers of a coating and causing them to swell, which significantly weakens the coating’s adhesion to a specific surface. Industrial strength paint removers can be either caustic or solvent-based.
Not sure what the difference is between these two?
By the end of this blog post, you’ll not only understand the differences between these paint removers but also discover where you can buy a high-quality solvent-based paint remover in bulk.
Caustic Paint Removers
These chemicals are usually very high in pH and have sodium hydroxide as the active ingredient. Sodium hydroxide works by breaking down the chemicals in paints.
Though effective for thick layers of oily paints, caustic removers have their downsides:
Solvent-Based Removers
These chemicals are the most common type of industrial strength paint removers used by various industries and work slightly differently than caustics. They work by penetrating the layers of paint, causing them to swell and therefore weakening the adhesion of the paint to the surface.
The active ingredient in most paint removers is dichloromethane, or methylene chloride, which is effective, but presents many health hazards, may be carcinogenic, and contributes to ozone depletion.
Those searching for a safer eco-friendly option can use acetone instead, as it is a common effective replacement for hazardous paint removers due to its low toxicity and inexpensiveness.
Another environmentally preferred option could be a specifically formulated product like Safe Strip, which replaces hazardous solvents like MEK and dichloromethane. Safe Strip has multiple benefits over traditional dangerous products:
Looking for a Greener Alternative?
Products like Safe Strip are becoming increasingly popular due to many companies choosing to cause less environmental harm and create a safer workplace. If you are looking to purchase Safe Strip for your industrial needs, reach out to Ecolink staff today!
What Solvents Can Be Used as MEK Replacements?
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersMEK, also known as methyl ethyl ketone, is a familiar chemical to many industries, as it is relied on for a wide range of processes, such as
Though utilized in so many processes and products, MEK use can be dangerous, mostly for industrial workers and those who may be continuously exposed to the chemical.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the dangers of MEK and help you find MEK replacements that are not only safer for the environment but also for your workers’ health.
Why You Should Look into MEK Replacements
Some of the concerning hazards associated with exposure to MEK are listed below:
Are there any Solvents that Can Successfully Replace MEK?
A common misconception is that although traditional solvents like MEK are hazardous, they are too effective to replace, but this is far from the reality. There are multiple MEK replacements that are just as effective and considerably less toxic, such as:
Acetone and Dimethyl Carbonate
Acetone is the typical alternative that many industries use as MEK replacements, mostly because the chemicals exhibit very similar properties and behaviors as ketone solvents. Acetone is less toxic and can be utilized in most of the applications that MEK is typically used for, such as in…
Dimethyl carbonate is also another common example of an eco-friendly MEK replacement that is less toxic and can be used in the manufacturing of coatings, adhesives, and as a cleaning agent.
What Is Preptone?
Unlike acetone or dimethyl carbonate, Preptone is a specifically-formulated low VOC wipe solvent that utilizes a combination blend of high purity terpenes in an acetone base. The benefits of Preptone make it the ideal replacement for hazardous solvents like MEK and TCE:
Want to Try Preptone for Yourself?
Looking to see if you are eligible to test out a sample of Preptone for industrial needs. Our staff at Ecolink is ready to answer any questions or find the best product for you! Click here to reach out to us today!
How to Find MEK Alternatives
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersMethyl ethyl ketone, or MEK, has long been utilized by multiple industries as a cleaning agent, in the manufacturing of various materials, and in many household products.
Though an effective solvent and widely relied on for these applications, companies are beginning to find that the chemical presents multiple several serious hazards, especially to workers with long-term exposure.
With companies realizing the dangers of MEK, many are looking for MEK alternatives. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at eco-friendly substitutes for MEK that are not only safer for workers but also for the environment.
Dangers of MEK
Even though MEK gets the job done, it poses several health risks. Here are only some of the negative effects associated with exposure to this chemical:
Are there any MEK Alternatives?
Those interested in or looking for low-toxicity solvents may not know where they can find MEK alternatives, but you are in the perfect place!
There are multiple options available that are just as effective if not more, such as:
These products provide the effectiveness of MEK without compromising workers’ health and safety. Those looking for a specifically formulated replacement may be more interested in a product like Preptone.
What Is Preptone?
In terms of MEK replacements, Preptone is the ideal option as a cleaning agent. Preptone is a quick-evaporating wipe solvent that incorporates high purity terpenes combined with acetone, creating a solvent with an even stronger performance than ketone solvents like TCE and MEK.
The list of benefits of Preptone is as follows:
Interested in Preptone and Other Eco-friendly MEK Alternatives?
If you are interested in Preptone or chemicals with low toxicity to replace hazardous solvents like MEK, you are in the right place! You can reach out to our staff at Ecolink and see if you are eligible to try a sample of Preptone for your industrial/business needs by clicking here.