Sure Klean Heavy Duty Paint Stripper — Alkaline Gel Formula for Multi-Layer Paint and Graffiti Removal from Masonry
Sure Klean Heavy Duty Paint Stripper is an alkaline, organic solvent-based gel formulated to remove multiple layers of paint and graffiti from masonry surfaces. Designed for contractors and trades professionals, it dissolves heavy accumulations of paint, most spray paint, lacquers, and graffiti in a single application, restoring old masonry to its original appearance. This slow-working, extended-contact remover remains active for up to 24 hours, making it effective against stubborn, built-up coatings.
Unlike solvent-based strippers, this product contains no methanol, methylene chloride, or chlorinated solvents, and is nonflammable and water-rinsable. Its gel consistency adheres to vertical surfaces to reduce spillage and product waste during application, and it can be applied by brush, roller, or conventional airless spray equipment for flexibility across job site conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Form | White paste/gel liquid |
| pH | 14.0 |
| Coverage Rate | 50–100 sq ft/gal (varies per substrate; see Product Data Sheet) |
| Shelf Life | 2 years in tightly sealed, unopened container |
| VOC Content | Non-applicable |
| Freeze Point | <–22°F (<–30°C) |
| Flash Point | >200°F (>93°C) ASTM D 3278 |
| Total Solids | Non-applicable |
| Weight per Gallon | 10.6 lbs |
| Specific Gravity | 1.293 |
| Flammability | Nonflammable |
| Rinsing | Water-rinsable |
| Solvents | No methanol, methylene chloride, or chlorinated solvents |
| Application Method | Brush, roller, or conventional airless spray equipment |
| Available Sizes | 1-gal, 5-gal |
| VOC Compliance | Compliant with all national, state and district VOC regulations |
Key Features & Benefits
Extended 24-Hour Active Dwell Time
Heavy Duty Paint Stripper remains active for up to 24 hours, allowing it to cut through heavy accumulations of paint and most types of graffiti without requiring reapplication. For contractors tackling thick or multi-layer coatings, this extended contact time reduces the need for repeated product passes.
Gel Consistency for Vertical Surface Applications
The paste/gel formula clings to vertical masonry surfaces, minimizing drips and product waste during application. This makes it practical for use on walls, facades, and other non-horizontal substrates where a liquid product would run off before completing its work.
No Hazardous Chlorinated Solvents
This formula contains no methanol, methylene chloride, or chlorinated solvents, reducing exposure risk compared to traditional solvent-based strippers. Contractors working in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces benefit from the reduced inhalation hazard profile of this alkaline-based approach.
Nonflammable and Water-Rinsable
The nonflammable classification simplifies storage and handling requirements on job sites where flammable materials must be carefully managed. Water-rinsability means no special solvents or neutralizing rinses are needed for cleanup — a standard pressure rinse is sufficient to flush spent material from the surface.
Flexible Application Methods
The product can be applied by brush, roller, or conventional airless spray equipment fitted with caustic-resistant seals and parts, giving crews the flexibility to match application method to project scale. For spray application, large airless sprayers with a minimum capacity of 1 gallon per minute and a minimum tip orifice of 1/4 inch are recommended to prevent fouling.
VOC-Compliant Nationally
Sure Klean Heavy Duty Paint Stripper is compliant with all national, state, and district VOC regulations, which simplifies regulatory documentation for contractors working across multiple jurisdictions.
Common Applications
Multi-Layer Paint Removal from Masonry
One application dissolves heavy accumulations of paint from masonry surfaces, including situations where multiple layers have built up over time.
Spray Paint and Graffiti Removal
Effective against most spray paint, lacquers, and graffiti, restoring the original appearance of masonry without aggressive mechanical methods.
Historic and Existing Masonry Restoration
The extended-contact, slow-working formula is suited for restoration projects where careful, controlled paint removal is needed to preserve the underlying masonry substrate.
Large-Scale Commercial Facade Stripping
Compatible with conventional airless spray equipment, the product can be deployed efficiently on large masonry facades, reducing labor time on commercial-scale projects.
Compatible Materials
- Masonry surfaces (general)
- Brick
- Concrete
- Stone
Not for use on: Wood (alkaline ingredients raise the grain and may interfere with paint adhesion), metal surfaces, or aluminum containers and spray equipment.
Product Documents
Application Instructions
Surface and Site Preparation
- Protect people, vehicles, property, plants, and all non-masonry surfaces from product, splash, rinse, residue, fumes, and wind drift.
- Test glass and metal finishes for sensitivity before application; protect if necessary. Note: Sure Klean Strippable Masking is not appropriate for use with paint stripping products.
- Protect window frames (wood, metal, vinyl, or other materials) using polyethylene secured by duct tape — do not use masking tape.
- Ensure surface and air temperatures are at least 50°F (10°C) during application. Do not apply when freezing conditions exist; allow masonry to thaw first.
- In hot or windy conditions, monitor dwell time carefully — excessive drying will stop stripping action. Reduce dwell times as needed.
Equipment Setup
- Use caustic-resistant brushes, rollers, or conventional airless sprayers fitted with Viton, Teflon, or other caustic-resistant seals and parts.
- Use a poly-lined, chemical-resistant spray hose rated for the spray pressure.
- Use spray tips with a minimum orifice size of 1/4 inch to prevent tip fouling.
- Do not use aluminum containers or spray equipment.
- For spray application, adjust sprayers to the lowest pressure setting that produces an even flow. Large airless sprayers with a minimum capacity of 1 gallon per minute are recommended for efficient spray application.
Application
- Apply Heavy Duty Paint Stripper by brush, roller, or conventional airless spray equipment.
- When working around protected window frames, carefully brush-apply to avoid contacting frame surfaces. Clean any accidental spills or splashes from protected frames immediately.
- Allow product to dwell for up to 24 hours. Monitor to ensure product does not dry out during dwell period.
Rinsing and Neutralizing
- Rinse with sufficient water and pressure to flush spent stripper and dissolved material from the masonry surface and surface pores. Inadequate rinsing may leave residues that stain the cleaned surface.
- Masonry-washing equipment generating 400–1,000 psi with a water flow rate of 6–8 gallons per minute is recommended for rinsing porous masonry. Use a 15–45° fan spray tip.
- Follow paint removal with masonry neutralizing using the appropriate Sure Klean product — Sure Klean Limestone & Masonry Afterwash is specifically recommended to neutralize the highly alkaline residue.
- Do not remove window frame protection until all stripping and rinsing is complete.
Safety Data Summary
Hazard Information
- Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 1 Sub-category B; Serious Eye Damage Category 1)
- Harmful if swallowed (Acute Toxicity — Oral, Category 4)
- Product is a corrosive material; causes burns of eyes, skin, and mucous membranes
- UN Number: UN3066
- 24-Hour Emergency Information: INFOTRAC at 800-535-5053
- Business Hours Emergency: 785-865-4200 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST, Monday–Friday)
Personal Protective Equipment
- Wear protective gloves
- Wear protective clothing
- Wear eye protection
- Wear face protection
Safe Handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product
- Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapors, or spray
- Wash face, hands, and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling
- If in eyes: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing; immediately call a poison center or physician
- If on skin or hair: remove/take off contaminated clothing immediately; rinse skin with water or shower; wash contaminated clothing before reuse
- If inhaled: remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a comfortable breathing position; immediately call a poison center or physician
- If swallowed: call a poison center or physician; rinse mouth; do NOT induce vomiting
- Store locked up
- Dispose of contents/container at an approved waste disposal facility
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does Heavy Duty Paint Stripper remain active after application?
A: The product remains active for up to 24 hours after application, allowing sufficient dwell time to dissolve heavy, multi-layer paint accumulations and graffiti.
Q: Can this product be used on wood or metal surfaces?
A: No. Heavy Duty Paint Stripper is not appropriate for use on wood — the alkaline ingredients raise the grain and may interfere with paint adhesion or performance. It is also not appropriate for metal surfaces. It is formulated for use on masonry.
Q: What temperatures are required for effective application?
A: Surface and air temperatures should be at least 50°F (10°C) during application. Product efficiency is reduced in cold weather. Do not apply when freezing conditions exist — allow masonry to thaw first. In hot or windy conditions, monitor dwell time to prevent premature drying.
Q: Does this product require a neutralizing step after use?
A: Yes. Because the product contains highly alkaline ingredients, treated surfaces must be neutralized after rinsing using the appropriate Sure Klean product — Sure Klean Limestone & Masonry Afterwash is specifically recommended.
Q: What spray equipment is compatible with this product?
A: Use conventional airless sprayers fitted with Viton, Teflon, or other caustic-resistant seals and parts. The spray hose must be poly-lined and chemical-resistant. Use spray tips with a minimum orifice of 1/4 inch. Do not use aluminum containers or spray equipment. Large airless sprayers with a minimum capacity of 1 gallon per minute are recommended for efficient coverage.
Q: Is Heavy Duty Paint Stripper compliant with VOC regulations?
A: Yes. The product is compliant with all national, state, and district VOC regulations.