PAINT REMOVER

The paraffin functions by forming a thin film at the surface of the paint remover which retards
evaporation. This thin film formation and resultant evaporation suppressant activity of paraffin is produced
by the evaporation and surface chilling which occur when methylene chloride or mixtures containing
methylene chloride are exposed to air. However, methylene chloride strippers must be handled carefully
since they are highly toxic and can cause severe skin irritation. Further, even with the incorporation of
paraffin, the volatility of the methylene chloride is still very high and when methylene chloride is
formulated with, for example, toluene, the resulting high levels of hydrocarbon emissions necessitate the
provision of good ventilation to safely use the methylene chloride paint strippers.