Why Choose Bio-Strip for Coating Removal?
Bio-Strip offers several benefits over traditional chemical strippers, making it the preferred choice for professionals who need both power and safety in their stripping applications.
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Powerful and Effective: Bio-Strip works efficiently on various coatings, including acrylics, oil-based enamels, polyurethanes, and more. Stripping times vary based on coating type and thickness, giving you control over your project’s needs.
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Soy-Based and Biodegradable: Made from a soy-based formula, Bio-Strip is biodegradable and user-friendly, providing a safer alternative to caustic chemicals. This reduces the environmental impact while ensuring the safety of both technicians and surrounding areas.
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Enhanced Efficiency: Bio-Strip delivers fast, reliable results by lifting coatings quickly. The formula’s flexibility allows for multiple applications if necessary, depending on the coating thickness and surface type.
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Safety First: Bio-Strip’s non-toxic formulation prioritizes safety, making it a safer option than traditional chemical strippers. However, proper safety precautions should always be followed, including wearing PPE and protecting the surrounding area.
How to Use Bio-Strip
Using Bio-Strip is simple, but proper application and technique are key to optimal results.
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Preparation:
- Ensure that the surface is clean and dry before applying Bio-Strip.
- Pre-clean the area with a broom or leaf blower to remove loose debris.
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Application:
- Apply Bio-Strip generously to the surface, ensuring full coverage. For flat or vertical surfaces, use a paint roller or brush for even distribution.
- The recommended mix ratio is 100% Bio-Strip with no dilution needed for maximum efficiency. Stripping time depends on the coating thickness.
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Dwell Time:
- Let Bio-Strip sit and dwell on the surface for the recommended time. This can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the type and thickness of the coating. For tougher coatings, you may need a second coat or extended dwell time.
- Tip: Hot water pressure washers can reduce stripping time by up to 50%.
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Stripping:
- After the dwell time, use a pressure washer to remove the lifted coating. Make sure to capture and properly dispose of the wash water.
- Reapply Bio-Strip to stubborn areas and repeat the process if necessary.
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Post-Application:
- Once the coating is removed, inspect the surface. Additional applications may be required for full removal.
- Allow the surface to dry before proceeding with resealing or further treatment.
Coating Types and Stripping Times
The effectiveness of Bio-Strip depends on the coating’s type, thickness, and age. Below are typical stripping times for common coatings:
- Acrylic (8 mils): Stripping time = 1-2 hours
- Acrylic (12 mils) over Elastomeric (8 mils): Stripping time = 3 hours
- Moisture-cured Epoxy (8 mils): Stripping time = 1-2 hours
- Two-part Waterborne Epoxy: Stripping time = 1-2 hours
- Oil & Water Stains (Transparent or Pigmented): Stripping time = 1 hour
- Oil-Based Enamel (8 mils): Stripping time = 1 hour
- Two-component Polyurethane (12 mils): Stripping time = 1-2 hours
These times may vary based on surface temperature, humidity, and the porosity of the substrate. A second application may be required for tougher coatings.
Stripping Old Sealers and Resealing
For pavements and pavers with old sealers, Bio-Strip is invaluable for surface restoration. Many pavements with poorly applied sealers will require stripping before re-sealing. If the old sealer is still in good condition, Bio-Strip can clean and refresh the surface before applying a new layer of sealant.
Safety Considerations
Although Bio-Strip is safer than traditional chemical strippers, safety precautions are essential during the stripping process:
- Protective Gear: Always wear safety glasses, gloves, boots, and protective clothing when applying Bio-Strip.
- Site Security: Secure the work area to prevent anyone from entering while chemicals are in use.
- Waste Disposal: Capture and properly dispose of wash water and residue in accordance with local regulations.
Why Choose Bio-Strip?
- Environmentally Friendly: Bio-Strip’s biodegradable, soy-based formula offers an eco-conscious and effective solution.
- User-Friendly: Safe to handle and easy to apply, making it perfect for both professionals and DIYers.
- Versatile and Effective: Highly effective on a wide range of surfaces and coatings, from vinyl to concrete.
- Faster Results with Hot Water: Using hot water with a pressure washer can significantly reduce stripping time.
Bio-Strip 5 Gallon Pail provides a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly option for coating removal. Whether you’re restoring pavers, cleaning exterior surfaces, or removing old sealants, Bio-Strip is the reliable solution for your project.
Bio-Strip Gel typically covers about 50–100 square feet per gallon, depending on how thick the coating is and how many layers need to be removed.
So for a 5-gallon pail, you can expect coverage of roughly:
- 250–500 square feet total
Heavier coatings like epoxy or multiple layers of polyurethane will push coverage toward the lower end, while thinner acrylic coatings may stretch closer to the upper end.