Alternatives& disposal for paints, stains and finishes |
These suggestions for what to do with left over finishes, and alternatives to certain finishes was sourced from http://thegreencommunity.org/dispose_chem.html |
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Latex or Water Based paints (glycol esters, phenyl mercuric acetate) Disposal: Air dry leftover paint and discard the paint can. Alternatives: Casein-based paint or limestone-based white wash. Less toxic than latex paints and nonflammable, but still contains harmful substances like phenyl mercuric acetate. |
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Rust paints (methylene chloride, tolulene, petroleum distillates) Disposal: Store unused paint for hazardous waste collection or give away. Flammable and toxic. |
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Oil-based or Enamel paints (ethylene, aliphatic hydrocarbons) Disposal: Save unused paint for hazardous waste collection or give away. Alternatives: Latex or water-based paints. Flammable and toxic. |
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Wood preservatives (chlorinated phenols, creosote, copper or zinc
napthenate) Disposal: Save leftover product for hazardous waste collection or give away. Flammable. |
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Turpentines and Thinners (n-butylalcohol, acetone, petroleum
distillates) Disposal: Using a fine wire mesh, strain solids for hazardous waste collection. Liquid portion can be reused. Alternatives: Use water-based paints because these can be thinned using just water instead of solvent-based thinners. Flammable and toxic. |
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Stains and Finishes (glycol esters, ketones, naphtha, halogenated
hydrocarbons) Disposal: Save leftover products for hazardous waste collection or give away to someone else who can use it. Alternatives: Natural pigment finishes or latex paint. Flammable and toxic. |
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Furniture strippers (acetone, alcohols, xylene, tolulene, methylene
chloride) Disposal: Unused strippers should be saved for hazardous waste collection. Alternatives: Electric sanders, heat guns, or sandpaper. Flammable and toxic. |