Strippit Antifouling Remover

[Appledore]

Just bought a tub of Strippit antifouling paint remover.

It's made only a few miles from where I live, so I collected in person. The sales guy was very helpful, and gave me the info sheets etc, but I wonder if anyone here has already used it, and what advice they could offer? Was it easy to use, and, moreover, did it work to your satisfaction?

The sales person suggested to enclose the solution with bubblewrap, so that it doesn't dry out too fast (in wind, etc). Sounds like a great idea to me.

Thanks for any response.

 

[Plevier]

See http://www.reactiveresins.com/strippitsafetydata.pdf

It appears to be caustic soda (>20% and <60%) plus a thickening agent - maybe wallpaper paste or starch. If so you could make it a lot more cheaply as often suggested on here. Horrible burning stuff, make sure your protective gear is good.

I've tried caustic soda plus wallpaper paste on a/f (make unknown) and it didn't seem to make any impression at all, but I didn't leave it overnight as suggested by the makers of Strippit.

Will be interested to hear if it works better as I have same job coming up.

 

[Appledore]

Well I shan't be applying it until the weather warms up, LOL! And, yes, I have read the safety data and I'll be suitably attired for the application

 

[Elessar]

Well I shan't be applying it until the weather warms up, LOL! And, yes, I have read the safety data and I'll be suitably attired for the application

Even with overalls on take care not to sit in the spoils. We know of a hideous injury caused by an owner that did that.
Bilge keelers and mobos most at risk because of the low clearance. Get a pallet or something to sit on, and keep it clean.

 

[Mistroma]

I'd second that about splashes on clothing. I remember seeing a really bad burn many years ago at ICI when a guy had some run down his welly and it soaked into his overalls. Not a lot involved so he didn't wash it off immediately. The result was not very nice and took ages to heal.

I was a research chemist in those days and seem to remember reading that "even a 0.1 molar solution would cause permanent eye damage in less than 30 seconds". It was over 30 years ago but this wording stuck in my mind so pretty certain it will be correct.

0.1 molar would be 0.4% w/v concentration. So even diluting "strippit" by a very large amount would still leave liquid you wouldn't want near your eyes.

However, I've used caustic soda solutions for many years without a problem by taking sensible precautions and being paranoid about spills & splashes.

 

[Lady Campanula]

I'm planning on using Strippit or a similar mixture, and would welcome comparisons. Further, considering the need to be 'paranoid about spills and splashes', I'm also thinking about removing the stuff, together with the recommended covering of clingfilm, using a domestic steamer and/or pressure washer.

I guess some form of cheap waterproof coveralls, wellies sealed with Duck Tape, long synthetic rubber gloves sealed as above, headgear and a polycarbonate full-face splashscreen....? And 'HazChem' labels everywhere....?

 

[pmagowan]

I used the standard nitromorse stuff from B&Q. Worked really well and because it was a damp day did not dry out too much. It is worth working it in with a thick brush. Skin does not like it much.

 

[PCUK]

Trouble with Nitromors is that it also takes off the gel-coat if left too long.

 

[bert49uk]

i used this stuff great results and water based dosnt burn the skin

http://www.decoratingdirect.co.uk/viewprod/p/PALPA7/

 

[ex-Gladys]

I used Dilunett ( now called Owatrol Marine Strip) on two boats and found it pretty succesful.. HOWEVER I must echo the comments here about protective clothing. First time I wore overalls, hat, goggles, gloves and welly boots and finished up with a nasty wrist burn from a sleeve dipping into the product and not noticing. After that I used tape to tape my overalls into my gloves and over my wellies. I wouldn't jet wash it because you could blow active gel away without diluting it, I rinsed off with an ordinary hose and a yard broom....

PS... if you use these products store them in a warm (>10C) environment, other wise the caustic soda can crystalise out