Replacing Hazardous Paint Stripping Methods with a Safer, High-Performance Alternative

Modern protective and decorative coatings—epoxies, polyurethanes, polyesters, and PVD systems—are engineered for maximum adhesion, chemical resistance, and film integrity. These properties that make them effective in service create a corresponding challenge at end-of-life or rework: conventional stripping chemistries are often insufficient, requiring aggressive intervention.

Historically, methylene chloride (DCM) has been the workhorse for stripping these systems. However, DCM is classified as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) under EPA regulations, subject to increasingly restrictive controls under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1052, and banned or restricted in many commercial stripping applications. Alternatives—caustic systems, thermal methods, abrasive blasting—introduce their own liabilities: base metal attack, dimensional distortion, and elevated labor cost.

Envirostrip BZ was developed to close this gap: methylene chloride-level performance without the regulatory, safety, or environmental burden.

Envirostrip BZ combines a blend of non-flammable organic co-solvents with a controlled acidic activator system. The mechanism of action involves:

• Solvent penetration of the polymer network to disrupt crosslink density and swell the coating film
• Acid-assisted hydrolysis at the coating-substrate interface to break adhesion bonds
• Controlled evaporation rate to extend dwell time and maintain active chemical contact

Key formulation attributes:

• Non-flammable — no flash point concern under standard operating conditions
• Low vapor pressure — reduced airborne solvent concentration at point of use
• Dilutable — adjustable concentration for coating type and throughput requirements
• Compatible with steel, copper, aluminum, and brass substrates

Performance was characterized through controlled laboratory testing and production-scale validation across multiple substrate/coating combinations.

Parameter	ENVIROSTRIP BZ Performance
Epoxy coating removal time (standard)	10–40 minutes
Epoxy coating — typical film build	Up to 3 mil (0.003″)
PVD / multi-layer system removal	Full film removal; no secondary polish required
Base metal attack (Al, Cu, steel, brass)	Negligible — even with extended exposure
Relative performance vs. methylene chloride	Comparable; outperforms DCM alternatives in timed testing
Flash point	Non-flammable

Application A — Epoxy Stripping from Copper Bus Bar

A manufacturer applying epoxy coatings to copper electrical bussing evaluated ENVIROSTRIP BZ against multiple competing strippers. Results:

• 3 mil epoxy film removed in under 40 minutes at operating concentration
• Competing products required hours to days to achieve equivalent removal
• No measurable base metal attack on copper substrate
• Worker exposure profile significantly improved relative to DCM-based reference

Application B — PVD / Epoxy Multi-Layer Removal from Aluminum Wheels

A customer processing aluminum wheels carrying a combined PVD/epoxy coating system required stripping without dimensional distortion or surface damage:

• Full removal of multi-layer coating system achieved
• Secondary mechanical polishing step eliminated — substrate surface condition preserved
• Overall processing time and labor cost reduced versus previous method

Method	Strip Speed	Base Metal Safe	HAP / Regulated	Relative Cost
Methylene Chloride	Fast	Yes*	Yes — HAP	Low
Caustic (NaOH)	Moderate	No (Al at risk)	No	Low
Mechanical / Abrasive	Variable	Risk of damage	No	High
Thermal / Burn-off	Slow	Risk of distortion	No	High
ENVIROSTRIP BZ	Fast	Yes	No	Moderate

* Methylene chloride is substrate-safe but subject to EPA/OSHA restrictions on commercial stripping; increasingly restricted or prohibited in many jurisdictions.

The following parameters represent starting-point recommendations. Optimal conditions should be established through process trials on representative substrates and coating types.

• Temperature: Ambient to 120°F (49°C) — elevated temperature accelerates removal rate
• Concentration: Use at full strength or dilute per application requirements; consult Acculabs technical team for dilution guidance
• Contact method: Immersion or gel application; immersion preferred for complex geometries
• Agitation: Moderate agitation recommended to refresh chemistry at film interface
• Rinsing: Thorough water rinse following stripping; verify substrate cleanliness prior to recoating
• Ventilation: Standard industrial ventilation recommended; forced exhaust not required under normal use conditions

Envirostrip BZ does not contain methylene chloride, n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), or other currently restricted HAPs. It is non-flammable under standard storage and application conditions.

SDS is available upon request and should be reviewed prior to use. Appropriate PPE—chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and chemical splash-rated apron—is required. Refer to SDS Section 8 for exposure limits and engineering controls.

Dispose of spent stripper in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Consult Acculabs or a licensed waste hauler for disposal guidance.