Chemical & Safety Disclaimer
The information provided in this review is for educational purposes only. Dumond Peel Away 1 is a heavy-duty alkaline stripper with a high pH (caustic) that can cause severe chemical burns to skin and eyes. Always wear alkali-resistant gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing. This product requires a mandatory neutralization step after removal; failure to properly neutralize the surface can result in paint failure or structural damage.
Additionally, disturbing surfaces painted prior to 1978 may release toxic lead dust, which causes permanent neurological damage. Always test for lead before sanding or stripping. If lead is present, you must follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) safety protocols. Consult a certified professional if you are unsure about safe handling procedures.
Maybe you are looking for the best way to remove paint in an environmentally-friendly way, without damaging the surface. Minus the hassles of cleaning up after the work is done. The Dumond Peel Away Paint Remover is right for you!
Its notable features include:
- It’s capable of stripping away multiple layers of paint in one go.
- It’s specially formulated to remove lead-based paint safely.
- It’s effective as a restoration cleaner.
- It does not use methylene chloride, which is known to cause different health issues.
- It works with different types of paint, making it a cost-effective solution for stripping surfaces.
- It prevents the creation of fumes and dust, since no scraping, sanding, nor heating to soften a surface is needed.
- It’s non-flammable and is a zero VOC product, which means it does not contain chemicals that emit any strong odors.
- It can be used both indoors and outdoors, particularly in an environment with temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 Degrees Fahrenheit and at 50% humidity.
- It’s capable of removing from various surfaces. It means you no longer have to buy separate removers for every type of surface you will work on.
- The paste itself is biodegradable, but the resulting waste sludge contains toxic lead and must be disposed of as hazardous waste according to local regulations.
- If kept in a dry and clean environment and with a tight seal, the Peel Away Remover has a shelf life of two years.
While the dwelling time can take between a few hours to as much as 48 hours, you can also use that time to do other work. It allows you to finish faster compared to traditional removal methods. This will help you save time and money since peeling away the paint is a quick job when done right.
And if you are working on a pre-1978 home or building, remember to conduct a lead test first using an EPA-approved lead-based test kit. Once testing confirms that the structure is positive for lead, the RRP rule requires that you use lead-safe practices when dealing with such surfaces.
Fortunately, Dumond Peel Away will help you comply with this rule. It also meets the standards of the EPA, as it can safely remove lead-based products without causing toxic dust. It is the primary cause of lead exposure to be airborne.
And if you will completely remove all the layers in such structures, you need to thoroughly test for lead first in all the surfaces that will be removed. Bulk instant lead test kits are the most cost-efficient way for that.
Dumond Peel Away turns to lead into lead hydroxide and acts as an encapsulant. This means that the particles are prevented from becoming airborne. The paste keeps them in a wet state, which stops dust formation. This paste also traps any lead present, which is peeled away with the heavy-duty paint stripper.
Using it is not that complicated. Apply a thick layer of the paste, allow it to set, and peel away!
How to Apply Peel Away 1 (Step-by-Step)
Successful paint removal with Peel Away 1 depends entirely on application thickness and patience. It is not applied like paint; it is a chemical poultice that must be applied heavily to dissolve multiple layers.
1. The “Frosting” Technique Do not brush this on thinly. Using the included spatula or a trowel, spread the paste onto the surface 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick.
- Visual Rule of Thumb: It should look like you are icing a cake. If you can see the color of the paint underneath the paste, it is too thin and will likely dry out or fail to strip all layers.
- For Moldings: Use a brush to dab the paste into deep crevices, ensuring full coverage in the details.
2. Seal with Laminated Paper Immediately after applying the paste, cover the wet surface with the Dumond Laminated Paper (included in the kit).
- Why this matters: The paper creates an airtight seal that prevents the chemicals from evaporating. This forces the active ingredients down into the paint rather than into the air.
- Technique: Press the paper onto the paste and smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles.
3. The Dwell Time (Patience is Key) Leave the paper in place for 12 to 24 hours.
- Note: For extremely thick paint (20+ layers), you may need to wait up to 48 hours.
- Do not peek: Lifting the paper early breaks the chemical seal and stops the stripping process. Rely on your test patch results to determine the exact time needed.
4. Removal Slide a taping knife or scraper under the edge of the paper. Lift slowly. The paper, paste, and old paint should all peel away together in one solid sheet, trapping the lead dust inside the sludge. Dispose of this waste immediately in heavy-duty trash bags.
5. Apply the neutralizer onto the surface after the removal process and before applying a new coat. Not doing so can cause an alkaline burn, resulting in hazing and non-adherence or flaking of the stain or paint after application. Use the pH test kit to ensure that the surface’s pH is neutral, between pH 5 to 8, before applying the paint.
Peel Away 1
The Peel Away 1 Water-Based Paint Remover is safe and effective for use on old paint, particularly oil-based and lead-based paints. It even works on many surfaces. It is a favorite of restorers, especially those removing paint on architectural and masonry surfaces typical of historic buildings. It allows easy work to be done without ruining the decorative elements present.
While it essentially has the same function as others in the entire Dumond Peel Away line, it also has other unique features. They include things such as:
- Capable of dealing with up to 30 layers, including lead in one go. It works most effectively if the paint has an organic first coat.
- It is a zero VOC product that is water-based.
- It comes with the alkaline paste remover, plastic applicator, pH test kit to test the alkalinity of wood surfaces, the Citri-Lize neutralizer, and the Dumond Laminated Paper. A gallon kit can cover 20 square feet on average.
The Peel Away 1 Water-Based Remover can be applied on:
| Cast Iron | Steel |
| Clapboard | Stone |
| Concrete | Stucco |
| Enamel | Terra Cotta |
| Marble | Tiles |
| Metal | Tin |
| Plaster | Wood |
| Slate |
While it can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, this heavy-duty stripper is not recommended for use on:
- Plexiglass
- Drywall
- Plywood
- Brownstone
- Veneer
- Aluminum
- Fiberglass
- EIFS
- Rubber
- Plastic
- Glass Laminates
The Peel Away 1 Water-Based Remover must also not be used on high-performance coatings. It includes epoxies, chlorinated rubber, urethanes, baked finishes, and cementitious paint. It is also not recommended for use on antique furniture, particularly those made of hardwood because it will darken the hardwood color.
In case the product dries up before you start peeling away, spray some water to soften it up before removing it. A dried-out Peel Away 1 Water-Based Remover will be difficult to remove, and forcefully removing it can cause damage to the surface.
