Safer, Smarter, and More Sustainable Paint Stripping Solutions

The Problem with Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride has long been the go-to paint stripper, but its serious health and environmental risks make it an unsustainable option.  Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that methylene chloride “presents an unreasonable risk of injury to health due to acute human lethality”, so they are prohibiting its use in nearly all applications. 

If your facility is still using methylene chloride, it’s time to switch to a safer, smarter, more sustainable alternative.

Environmental Impact: A Hidden Workplace Hazard

While concerns about air pollution are valid, the real danger of methylene chloride lies inside the plant in the paint stripping department. Poor ventilation, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and long-term exposure can lead to:

• Chronic skin and eye irritation
• Damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys
• Impairment of the central nervous system 

With the EPA phasing out methylene chloride, many businesses are scrambling to find an effective, compliant replacement.

Hubbard Hall, a leading supplier of surface treatment solutions, recognized these risks years ago and developed a complete line of environmentally safe, highly effective paint strippers. These solutions can remove paint, powder coat, e-coat, and other durable coatings without the hazards of methylene chloride.

JSA has partnered with Hubbard Hall, and together they provide local technical expertise and testing services to help customers find the best paint stripping solutions for their parts, racking fixtures and silicone plugs.

Health & Safety: A Smarter Approach to Paint Stripping

While eliminating methylene chloride is the right move for worker safety, it’s natural to ask: Are alternative paint strippers safer?

The answer is yes—but even with safer industrial chemicals, it is necessary to always wear the proper personal protective equipment.

Hubbard Hall’s next-generation paint strippers are formulated with non-toxic raw materials, eliminating hazardous fumes and significantly reducing workplace risks. Although safer, longer lasting and more user friendly, the following operating adjustments are necessary to increase productivity: 

• Routine chemical analysis
• Solution filtration 
• Increased operating temperature

While heat, filtration and chemical analysis may not have been necessary with methylene chloride, they represent a long-term investment in worker health, safety, and operational efficiency.

A Game-Changer in Paint Stripping: ERASE by Hubbard Hall

Hubbard Hall’s advanced paint stripping technologies eliminate chlorinated solvents and phenols, replacing them with mild acids, free-rinsing alkalines, and non-hazardous solvents.

One of the most effective solutions is Hubbard Hall’s ERASE, which offers the following benefits:

• Non-hazardous (DOT classification)
• No hazardous air pollutants
• Operates at room temperature (no excessive heating required)
• Fast stripping action
• Long solution life (can be filtered for extended use)
• Works on multiple coatings (Polyester, Epoxy, Hybrid, Urethane)
• Safe for multiple metals (Aluminum, Zinc, Steel, Stainless Steel, Copper, Brass)
• Highly effective for parts, racks, hooks, and silicone plugs

Choosing the Right Paint Stripping Solution

With so many durable coatings on the market and new innovations emerging, choosing the right paint stripping chemistry is critical.

By partnering with JSA and Hubbard Hall, you gain access to:

• Environmentally safe paint stripping solutions
• Local technical expertise and support
• Hands-on assistance in selecting the best products for your needs

For a full list of Hubbard Hall’s paint stripping products or to schedule a product demonstration, contact JSA today.