Stripping paint can be one of the most messy and frustrating jobs when renovating a property. Many traditional paint strippers are highly toxic, with strong chemicals that are unpleasant to deal with.
There are modern natural paint strippers available, which remove paint and varnish effectively without the use of toxic chemicals. Using water or plant based formulations, they're free from methylene chloride, NMP, and other aggressive solvents.
What Makes a Paint Stripper Safe?
A safe paint remover is one that can be used comfortably without heavy ventilation, full PPE or risk of injury.
Non toxic paint strippers rely on biodegradable ingredients that loosen paint rather than burning it off. They are usually non caustic or only mildly alkaline, producing little or no odour and
How Natural Paint Strippers Work
Natural paint removers soften and swell the paint film so it can be lifted off the surface rather than dissolved.
Ingredients like citrus terpenes, linseed soap or mild alkaline solutions break the bond between the paint and substrate. Thickeners such as flour or cellulose create a paste that clings to surfaces, allowing the product to work deeply over time.
Unlike aggressive chemical strippers, natural products act more slowly but with far greater control. This makes them particularly suitable for fine woodwork, plaster or lime render where you want to preserve the original material.
Best Natural Paint Strippers for Safe Paint Removal
We offer two different natural paint strippers which are manufactured using non toxic ingredients:-
Auro 461 Natural Paint Stripping Paste
Auro 461 is a plant based alkaline paste that delivers professional grade performance using natural ingredients. Made from water, orange and eucalyptus oils, linseed oil soap, wheat flour and mild potassium lye, it is powerful enough to remove traditional oil based and alkyd paints, yet biodegradable and free from petrochemical solvents.
How to use: Apply a 1–3 mm layer to the painted surface and leave it for up to two hours depending on the number of layers and paint type. The paste softens and lifts the coating without fumes or heat.
Once ready, scrape off gently, then rinse thoroughly with water and a splash of vinegar to neutralise any alkaline residue.
Ideal for:
- Restoration and conservation work.
- Exterior joinery and masonry.
- Lime plaster and breathable surfaces.
- Traditional oil or natural resin paints.
Avoid using on acrylic or epoxy coatings, as they are resistant to alkaline removers. Test first on tannin-rich woods like oak, as slight darkening can occur. This natural paint stripper offers strength, safety and eco credentials in one product.
2. Home Strip Eco Friendly Paint & Varnish Remover
Home Strip is a modern water based gel stripper formulated to be completely non toxic, pH neutral and fume-free.
It removes almost any type of coating, including oil based, water based, polyurethane, varnish, wax and even lead-based paints. Unlike caustic or solvent removers, it produces no skin burns or toxic vapours.
How to use: Apply generously to the surface and allow it to work for 30 minutes to several hours. The paint will begin to blister and soften, ready to be lifted off with a scraper. For stubborn or multi-layered coatings, you can simply reapply.
Ideal for:
- Indoor furniture, doors and trims.
- Plaster and masonry.
- Metal, brick, stone or concrete.
- UPVC and GRP (test first).
- Areas with poor ventilation.
Because Home Strip is pH neutral and biodegradable, it's suitable for almost every household project, offering professional performance without the hazards.
Natural paint removers are slower to act but deliver far safer, cleaner results. With patience and proper dwell time, they can remove thick, multi-layered coatings just as effectively as traditional products.
Stripping Lead Paint Safely
Older homes, especially those built before the 1980s, often contain layers of lead based paint on windows, doors or skirting boards. Lead dust and fumes are toxic, so abrasive methods such as sanding or heat guns should not be used.
Natural paint strippers like Home Strip make lead removal much safer. The gel softens the paint so it can be lifted away intact, minimising airborne dust. Keep the surface damp, wear gloves, overalls and an FFP2 or FFP3 mask, and collect all waste on a disposable sheet. Seal debris in a bag and take it to a local hazardous waste facility. Wash hands and tools thoroughly after the job.
If you are working on large areas, consider professional lead testing before starting.
Disposal and Environmental Care
Once stripped, allow residues to dry before placing them in normal household waste. Avoid washing residues into drains.
Empty containers can be recycled once clean, and brushes or tools simply washed with warm water and mild detergent. Both Auro 461 and Home Strip are biodegradable, low in VOCs and made from renewable materials, helping reduce your renovation's environmental footprint.
Natural But Effective
Choosing a natural and non toxic paint remover doesn't mean compromising on performance. You can strip away years of paint without damaging your health or the environment. All that's required is a little extra time for the paint stripper to lift away the finish.
Need advice? Contact us and our team of expert paint enthusiasts will give tailored advice on your next project.
