Paint Stripping: How to Remove Paint Safely and Effectively with Peel Away

When it comes to paint stripping, not all methods are created equal. Whether you're restoring a heritage villa in Ponsonby or refinishing a weatherboard home in Hamilton, removing old paint safely and efficiently is critical to achieving a professional finish.

At Peel Away New Zealand, we've perfected the science of paint stripping—offering powerful, environmentally responsible solutions that can remove decades of paint in just one application.

This guide covers everything you need to know about paint strippers, including how they work, what makes them safe for heritage surfaces, and why more New Zealanders are choosing Peel Away 1 and Peel Away 8 for their restoration and renovation projects.

What Is Paint Stripping?

Paint stripping (or paint removal) is the process of breaking down and removing layers of old paint, varnish, or coatings from a surface. It's essential for restoring wood, masonry, metal, and concrete to their natural state before repainting or refinishing.

Traditional methods—like sanding, grinding, or using heat guns—can damage delicate surfaces or release toxic lead dust into the air. Chemical paint strippers like Peel Away provide a safer, more controlled alternative that encapsulates the paint and prevents contamination.

How Paint Strippers Work

At a chemical level, paint strippers dissolve or break down the molecular bonds that hold paint to a surface. The process typically involves three key stages:

1. Penetration – The stripper seeps through paint layers, softening the bond between paint and substrate.
2. Softening – The paint begins to bubble or lift, losing adhesion.
3. Containment – Peel Away's patented laminated paper traps the softened paint and chemicals, keeping your work area clean and safe.

This system not only removes multiple layers in a single application but also ensures safe lead paint containment, which is crucial for pre-1970s homes in New Zealand.

Types of Paint Strippers

Not all strippers use the same chemistry. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right product for your surface and paint type.

1. Caustic (Alkaline) Paint Strippers

These use alkaline chemicals to break down oil-based paints and enamels. They're ideal for heavy-duty paint stripping on brick, concrete, metal, and heritage wood.

Peel Away 1 is a prime example—it can remove up to 30 layers of paint in one application and is specially designed for lead paint removal.

Note: Because it's caustic, neutralization is required afterward.

2. Biochemical Paint Strippers

These are newer, more environmentally friendly solutions that use biodegradable solvents and surfactants. They're pH neutral, low-odor, and user-friendly.

Peel Away 8 is the best choice for this category—perfect for modern acrylics, latex, polyurethane, and marine coatings. It requires no neutralization and is gentle enough for interior projects.

3. Specialty Formulations

In some cases, you'll need strippers tailored for epoxy, marine, or industrial coatings. Peel Away's range includes formulations that safely remove tough coatings from fibreglass boats, metal structures, and more.

Why Choose Peel Away for Paint Stripping in New Zealand

For over 25 years, Peel Away NZ has been trusted by professional restorers, contractors, and homeowners alike. Our products have been used on iconic sites such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Christchurch Arts Centre, and Auckland War Memorial Museum—proving that Peel Away works at every scale.

Here's why we're the go-to name in paint removal:

• ✅ Removes Multiple Layers in One Go – Save hours of labour and get professional results faster.
• ✅ Lead Paint Safety – Fully encapsulates and contains hazardous lead paint for compliant disposal.
• ✅ Surface Preservation – No scraping, sanding, or heat damage to delicate heritage features.
• ✅ Low VOC & Eco-Friendly – Designed for both performance and environmental responsibility.
• ✅ NZ-Based Support – Local guidance, product advice, and nationwide availability.

Peel Away 1 vs Peel Away 8: Which One Do You Need?

Feature	Peel Away 1	Peel Away 8
Best For	Oil-based, enamel, lead paints	Acrylics, latex, polyurethane
Surfaces	Brick, stone, concrete, wood, metal	Wood, fibreglass, metal, plaster
Layers Removed	Up to 30	Up to 12
Neutralization	Required	Not required
Ease of Use	Moderate	Very easy
Odor Level	Low	Very low
Lead Paint Removal	Excellent	Good

If you're working on older buildings or heritage projects, choose Peel Away 1. For residential, marine, or modern coatings, Peel Away 8 is your best bet.

Top Applications for Paint Stripping

Peel Away products are trusted across New Zealand's most demanding industries and home projects.

Heritage & Historical Restorations

Safely remove decades of paint from plaster, brick, and timber while preserving original details. Perfect for museums, churches, and listed buildings.

Residential Renovations

Ideal for DIYers tackling weatherboards, doors, skirting boards, and kitchen cabinetry. Easy to use with low odor and minimal mess.

Marine & Industrial Use

Peel Away 8 works brilliantly for removing anti-fouling coatings from fibreglass and metal boat hulls, as well as epoxy paints in industrial environments.

Lead Paint & Asbestos

Unlike sanding or heat guns, the Peel Away system fully encapsulates lead or asbestos coatings—keeping you and your family safe from airborne hazards.

Smarter, Safer Paint Stripping

Paint stripping doesn't need to be toxic, time-consuming, or damaging to your surfaces. With Peel Away's patented system, you can achieve professional results while protecting both your health and the environment.

Whether you're restoring a heritage building, stripping a yacht hull, or renovating your home, Peel Away 1 and 8 offer the most trusted, proven paint removal solutions in New Zealand.

Ready to start your paint stripping project?

Visit peelaway.co.nz or call 0800 787 472 for product advice, data sheets, and professional guidance.