TYPES OF PAINT REMOVED: Liftn’-Strip can remove most varieties of marine paints & varnishes including anti-fouling, enamels, teak oils, latex, lead, etc. Not designed for cellulose two-part epoxy, cement paints, urethanes, baked on enamels, & certain clear finishes.
SURFACES: Liftn’-Strip can be applied on a multitude of bottom and topside surfaces including fiberglass, steel, masonry*, as well as wood* and plaster*. Not to be used on plywood, veneer, sheetrock, aluminum and composition surfaces.

INSTRUCTIONS:
A. Preparation - Mask any areas not being stripped with polyethylene and masking tape.

B. Application - Liftn’-Strip paste should be applied approximately 1/16" thick with a putty knife, trowel, or similar tool. Do not brush or roll on. It will easily cling to vertical surfaces. Use your tool to fill detailed, intricate or grooved surfaces. If product appears "crusty," reactivation of paint removal will take place by misting the applied area with water.

(i) Spraying Lift-n-Strip - Liftn’-Strip can be sprayed effectively using pail pumps manufactured by GRACO or Xlent Equipment Co. (air spray only) or a rotor stator type pump (texture)

C. Test Patch - Since it is often hard to know the type or the amount of paint on a surface, a small test area should be stripped to determine the applicability of Liftn’-Strip, and if so, it will determine the proper dwell for paint removal. In addition, some highly porous surfaces may be difficult to properly neutralize, so a test area should be stripped and neutralized to insure that the surface is suitable for repainting. Finally, a test area will insure that the applicator is satisfied with the results having knowledge of the precautions listed at G.

D. The patch is checked as follows (only a portion at any one time): Check the patch first at 2 - 4 hours, then periodically thereafter. For high build surfaces, the product will remain active for 24 hours or longer. As a rule of thumb, the greater the layers of paint, the longer the product should be left on. Average dwell time is 1 - 2 hours per layer of paint depending upon the type and thickness of the paint.

E. Removal - The painted surface will be absorbed into remover. Use your putty knife to lift the paste/paint off the surface being careful not to damage surface. Use a wire brush and Ready-Strip Wash Paint Remover Wash or water on metal and masonry to remove any residue remaining.

F. Neutralization and Clean-Up - Clean off residue using putty knife. Wash off the residue with water using bristle brush (best for detailed areas), pad or sponge or hose off residue with sprayer (keeping pressure low on woodwork). Prior to repainting, surfaces stripped with alkaline based strippers need to be neutralized. After the surface is completely dry, apply neutralizer (Back to Nature Neutralizer or pure white vinegar) to the surface. Work Neutralizer into the surface. Leave on for 24 hours. Apply another coat of neutralizer and leave on for 6 hours. Rinse surface with water. Allow Neutralizer to completely dry. Take a pH reading. If over 8, re-neutralize. If a white powder appears, dry brush powder off, and if it reappears, surface needs to be re-neutralized. NOTE: Because the tannic acid in redwood and cedar tends to bleed, allow extra drying time before repainting.

G. Precautions

*(i) May Darken Hardwoods - Particular care should be taken to remove alkaline strippers like Liftn’-Strip on hardwoods as soon as the old paint has loosened (See test patch). If darkening should occur, neutralize, and use wood bleach on dark spots. If surface is to be repainted, darkening is not a problem.

*(ii) Softwoods, plaster, stone - Particular care should be taken when using alkaline based strippers like Liftn’-Strip on softwoods, plaster and stone surfaces. Use only if surface will remain undisturbed and surface can be properly neutralized after application.

H. For best results - apply Liftn’-Strip at temps between 60 ºF and 80 ºF. Product activity is reduced below 60 ºF and may require additional dwell time before all layers are removed. Liftn’-Strip is inactive under 32 ºF. Coverage for Liftn’-Strip varies between 20 & 25 sq. feet per gallon depending upon the type and amount of paint on a surface.

ADVANTAGES:
A. Faster: While other caustic paint removers take 24 hours or longer to remove paint from the surface, Liftn’-Strip works faster thereby increasing productivity

B. Cost Efficient: While other caustic paint removers average 12 to 20 square feet of coverage per gallon, Liftn’-Strip averages 20 to 25 square feet per gallon depending upon the type and amount of paint on a surface thereby reducing material costs. Liftn’-Strip does not require as thick an application as other caustic paint removers.

C. Labor Savings: While other paint removers require the use of a paper cloth on top of the paint remover after application, Liftn’-Strip requires no paper thereby saving valuable labor time and expense. In fact, upon removal, the painted surface will be absorbed into remover and will come off in "sheets" for easy disposal.

D. Special wetting agent: Liftn’-Strip has a special wetting agent to keep it moist longer than any other caustic paint remover. Other caustic paint removers get hard and virtually impossible to remove if left on too long. If Liftn’-Strip appears "crusty," reactivation of paint removal will take place by misting the applied area with water.

E. Epoxy Barrier Coat – Liftn’-Strip is ideal for those circumstances when you are removing bottom paint but do not wish to remove an epoxy barrier coat.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: Liftn’-Strip contains sodium hydroxide. Liftn’-Strip is non - flammable and will not produce toxic fumes. However, use extreme caution to avoid contact with eyes and skin. Can burn exposed skin. Wear protective clothing including long rubber gloves and safety goggles and/or face shield. In case of eye or skin contact - flush eyes and exposed areas immediately with large amounts of water. If swallowed - drink large quantities of water. Do not induce vomiting. A physician should be called immediately.