ABSTRACT
Paint stripping is the process of removing paint and paint-type coatings from surfaces, usually as a preparation for inspection, dismantling, repairing, or repainting. In paint stripping, solvents and/or solvent-chemical mixtures are applied to the surface to physically destroy either the paint coating itself or the paint's ability to stick to the surface. The wastes generated in the stripping process are a significant source of pollutants. These wastes include the solvent/paint residue, which can be collected separately, and the waste wash water, which contains solids and dissolved chemicals from paints and solvents. Several waste reduction techniques have been demonstrated or are practiced by the military and industry. These techniques are generally nontechnical, labor-intensive methods that reduce the volume of hazardous liquids and wash waters. Conventional sand blasting, abrasive blasting, and glass bead blasting have been extensively used for decades to remove paint and rust from metal surfaces.
