I want to strip my window trim and my kitchen cupboards, what can I use around pets?

Answer 1

It has been a few years since worked in the paint industry. I am sure they may be safer products out now. I am in animal rescue and aware of dangers of chemicals around humans and pets.

I am disable to work, mainly due to exposure to paints and chemicals at store, some I used on my home.

Go to major home improvement center to explore products. There have been changes in allowed contents in stripper products over last few years. However, they all have warnings and fumes!!!

I would not attempt this project this time of year unless you live in area not cold, can open windows and use fans to clear out fumes. This is for human and pet safety!! I can not stress this enough. I know what is in all of these products from a technical background. Nasty solvents that can mess with your brain!

When you are able to ventilate the area and have found a less potent stripping agent I still encourage the pets to be outside or at friends while doing the project and for days after using the stripper product. I assume you want to go to bare wood again and stain/polyurathane. All produce fumes. You be careful.

If you are breathing fumes then so are the pets and they are smaller and more at risk.

Answer 2

You have two choices:
1. Keet your pets way away from the kitchen during the stripping process and use the paint stripping solution.
2. Remove the windows, then the glazing from the windows and remove the glass. Sand away the old paint. Do the same with cupboard doors. Remove them and sand away the old paint. I suggest you do the sanding outside. Sand the cupboards with dust collection sander to minimize old paint dust. Make sure the old paint is not lead based. If so, you'll need a special breathing mask and rent a ventilation system.

Answer 3

I suggest this brand called Ready Strip Plus by a company called Back to Nature. From their website: "Ready-Strip Plus is non-flammable, biodegradable, virtually odorless and can be cleaned up with water. It does not contain methylene chloride, caustic, flammable chemicals or harmful vapors like many traditional strippers."

I used this stuff on my mom's trim around her bathroom and kitchen windows & doors. She has two cats. This stuff was way better and less toxic than when I attempted to use regular paint stripper chemicals.

Answer 4

they have a citris based paint stripper that you can buy online, or in some home improvement stores. I would ask someone that works with paint, would be my best bet.

Answer 5

If you are not going to stain the wood and you are going to repaint, use a heat gun, no chemicals. you still need good ventilation though.