Disclosure: The author is a former lead abatement eCommerce operator. All product mentions and recommendations in this article are unsolicited and based strictly on independent professional experience. This page contains zero affiliate links.
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.
Removing lead paint is a high-stakes task that requires zero margin for error. Dumond Peel Away 1 is a heavy-duty, environmentally safe solution designed specifically to encapsulate toxic dust and safely strip decades of hazardous coatings in a single application.
What is Dumond Peel Away 1?
The Peel Away 1 Water-Based Paint Remover is a zero-VOC, heavy-duty alkaline paste capable of stripping up to 30 layers of oil-based and lead-based paint in one go. Formulated without methylene chloride, it prevents toxic fumes and airborne dust by keeping the hazardous paint wet and encapsulated, making it the standard for architectural and masonry restoration. A standard gallon kit covers approximately 20 square feet and includes the alkaline paste, plastic applicator, a pH test kit, Citri-Lize neutralizer, and Dumond Laminated Paper. Note that while the paste itself is biodegradable, the resulting sludge contains toxic lead and must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Never place lead sludge in standard residential trash bins. You must contact your municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) facility to schedule a secure drop-off.
Crucially, Peel Away 1 operates at an extreme pH of 12 to 13. It relies on saponification to dissolve the ester bonds found within traditional oil and lead paints. However, the product’s success is entirely dictated by the absolute bottom layer of paint touching the substrate. If that base layer is a post-1951 synthetic latex or acrylic, its carbon-carbon polymer chains resist this alkaline hydrolysis, preventing release and causing total project failure.
Why It Is the Standard for Lead Paint Removal
While the dwelling time ranges from 12 to 48 hours, ambient variables dictate the exact duration. In my own exterior restorations on 1920s clapboard, I’ve found that dropping temperatures can completely stall the saponification process, frequently forcing me to leave the paste on for the full 48 hours to finally breach the bottom oil layers. Colder environments will drastically slow the chemical reaction, requiring longer dwell times to fully dissolve multiple layers of oil-based coatings.
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, understand how the EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rule applies to your project. The RRP rule federally mandates commercial contractors and property managers to use lead-safe practices (and carries heavy fines for non-compliance). As a DIY homeowner, you must treat your residence as a hazardous worksite. While federal EPA RRP fines primarily target commercial contractors, toxic lead dust does not distinguish between professionals and DIYers. You must strictly adhere to these EPA RRP protocols to prevent permanent neurological damage to yourself and your family.
Dumond Peel Away 1 meets EPA standards for safe lead removal by encapsulating the paint in a wet paste. This eliminates the primary mechanism of lead exposure: airborne toxic dust.
Before stripping any architectural layers, you must rigorously test the substrate for lead. Do not rely on unverified, off-brand bulk swabs; use only EPA-recognized test kits like D-Lead, as generic kits carry a high risk of dangerous false negatives.
Dumond Peel Away turns 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.
Unit Economics vs. Infrared Thermal Stripping
When scaled to strip entire architectural exteriors, chemical pastes become economically inefficient. Because Peel Away 1 requires a thick application, a single gallon yields only 20 to 22 square feet of coverage. Due to this strict volume-to-area ratio, professional restorers frequently pivot to infrared (IR) thermal stripping tools like the Speedheater for large-scale siding. IR tools heat paint to a safe 400°F to 600°F, breaking the bond instantly while remaining safely below the EPA’s strict maximum temperature threshold.
Cost Comparison: Stripping 500 Sq. Ft. of Historic Exterior
The consumable cost of chemical paste rapidly outpaces the one-time capital investment of an infrared tool. The mathematical breakeven point occurs at just 125 square feet.
$2,500
~$630 (Fixed Asset)
Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Surfaces
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
- Brick
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.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
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.
- 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. eal this waste immediately in heavy-duty, 6-mil contractor bags. Do not throw these bags in your standard residential trash; transport them directly to your local household hazardous waste (HHW) facility.
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.
This is especially critical on exterior brick. If the paste dries, the sodium hydroxide absorbs carbon dioxide and undergoes an exothermic conversion into petrified sodium carbonate. Do not use grinders, which will shatter the protective skin of historic coal-fired brick. Instead, you must re-hydrate the mass with a wet poultice and use a professional steam vacuum system dialed below 1000 PSI at 140°F to 160°F.
The Critical Neutralization Process
Applying the neutralizer onto the surface after the removal process and before applying a new coat is mandatory. Not doing so can cause an alkaline burn, resulting in hazing and non-adherence or flaking of the stain or paint after application. Dissolve the included Citri-Lize crystals in water according to the package directions, and thoroughly wash the stripped substrate. Use the pH test kit to ensure that the surface’s pH is neutral, between pH 5 to 8, before applying the paint.
Even after neutralization, the reaction between the alkaline paste and acidic Citri-Lize creates sodium citrate salts. These hygroscopic crystals embed deep within the wood cellulose and must be aggressively flushed out via vigorous mechanical scrubbing. Failure to extract them will violently disrupt the emulsion phase of modern water-based polyurethanes, altering osmotic pressure and causing the finish to curdle and flake.
Peel Away 1 vs. Peel Away 7
Because Peel Away 1 has a highly caustic, high-pH formulation, it will darken and stain historic hardwoods (like oak, mahogany, or walnut) through a chemical reaction with the wood’s natural tannins. This uncontrolled alkaline ebonizing process permanently burns a black or dark brown stain into the cellular structure of the wood. If you are stripping wood that will be restained or finished with a clear coat, you must use Dumond Peel Away 7 (or Smart Strip Pro) instead. Peel Away 7 is a solvent-based, pH-neutral stripper that will not discolor the wood grain, making it the required choice for delicate wood restoration.
Final Verdict and Safety Imperative
Dumond Peel Away 1 remains the industry standard for chemical lead abatement because its encapsulation method directly neutralizes the threat of airborne toxic dust. However, it is not a miracle cure; it requires precise application, strict temperature control, and mandatory neutralization to prevent structural damage.
The bottom line: If you are tackling a pre-1978 exterior, this product will safely remove the hazard, but you must treat the resulting sludge as toxic waste. Never dispose of Peel Away 1 residue in household trash. Contact your local municipal waste authority to schedule a hazardous materials drop-off, and strictly follow EPA RRP guidelines to protect yourself and your home.
