Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/25/2008

Question
I remember my dad taking me to a place when I was little that had a big tank full of acid. People would bring objects that they needed the paint removed from and ask the operator to dip the objects into the bath. It worked pretty well. Do you hear of these tanks still being used?

Answer
Hi Robert
What an interesting question.
I well remember back about 12 years ago there was a company quite near that specialized in dip stripping.
They had a huge fire and lost the entire business.
It never reopened. Not sure what they used in the dip tank at the time of the fire but years ago it was caustic soda (lye).
I'm wondering if this is what was used in the tank you remember seeing?
These tanks needed heating I have been told, and they were also very hard on furniture. The glue usually dissolved if a piece was left too long in the tank or it was badly degraded when left the correct time.
In recent years I have never heard of this process still being used but its possible.
I venture to guess that it would be some type of mc stripper in the tank as no heat is required for that.
I would consider having it done only one those multiple coats of paint we often see on lovely old chairs. For the other things I will stick to the hand stripping.
Great Question
Regards
Eileen