cleaning paint stripper tools

[ejs1097]

I just started stripping paint off of 70 yo pine wall boards to re-cycle it into a replica Viking Chest.

As usual, the mess created from the paint stripper pocess is thick, gooey, and very sticky.

I'm just dapping it on and using an old paint scrapper to remove the paint. So what's the best way to get all the paint/stripper gunk off my tools to keep them clean and sharp? Paint thinner perhaps? thought i'd ask first as I don't want to mix the wrong chemicals. The can even says not to mix different paint strippers.

[Tom Slick]

soaking in paint thinnner or mineral spirits will keep them clean.

[cabinetman]

A non MC based stripper like Citra Strip, that is water based, can be cleaned in soap and water.

For the MC based (the nasty stuff), like Tom said, mineral spirits works well. If the stuff has dried, you may have to use lacquer thinner. In any case, with any strippers, you should be using appropriate gloves, face/eye protection, toxic vapor mask, and good ventilation. Come to think of it, cover your arms also. DAMHIKT.
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[ejs1097]

Thanks Guys.
Workbench did a review of 'green' strippers in the last issue and the 2 paste Magic Strip and Ready Strip got the highest marks and were the easiest to cleanup, they peel off like paper. Citra Strip did ok, didn't remove as much paint and cleanup was messy.

The guy at the paint store said he didn't here much good about them, but I suspect he was talking to contractors whom don't have the time of patience to wait 18-24 hours nor put it on thick enough. It wasn't exactly cheap (twice as much as MC) and 1 quart only covered 15 sq ft so I didn't try it.

I'm using a Methelen Choloride based stripper and yes I'm well protected in good ventilation.