Ask neighbors and friends who have had work done in the past about their experiences. If you don't know anyone who had a similar job done recently, check with a local hardware store, paint store, utility company or even your insurance company to get names of contractors they have worked with in the past. This is a time of year, perhaps, when people begin to think about brightening up their homes by putting fresh paint on walls and other surfaces. Shortly after the holidays I began receiving calls from Extension Educators and consumers about painting and the use of strippers. The most important message in this information is that if not properly used, paint strippers are hazardous to your health and safety.
Paint strippers contain chemicals that loosen paint from surfaces.
These chemicals can harm you if used improperly. Some paint stripping chemicals can irritate the skin and eyes, or cause headaches, drowsiness, nausea, dizziness or loss of coordination. Some of these materials may be carcinogenic, while others may cause reproductive problems or damage to the liver, kidneys and brain. Furthermore, some of these strippers are also flammable. Proper handling along with proper use of paint stripping materials is very important, and will reduce your exposure to the chemicals they contain.