FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the advantages of Dilunett compared with other strippers?
  2. Will Dilunett strip all types of paint?
  3. Can Dilunett be applied to any surface?
  4. Why does Dilunett make some woods turn black?
  5. Do you always have to neutralise the surface after stripping with Dilunett?
  6. How long do you have to wait before neutralising the surface?
  7. What should you do if the wood's turned black and it hasn't been neutralised in time?
  8. Is it necessary to take any special precautions when applying the product?
  9. Can you rinse off Dilunett with a high-pressure cleaner?
  10. How do you perform a strip test on weathered wood?
  11. Does Dilunett attack plastics?
  12. Does Dilunett get rid of adhesives?
  13. What is the hardness of the finish?
  14. What are the advantages of DILUNETT compared to other strippers?
  15. Can DILUNETT be applied to any surface?
  16. What paints will DILUNETT remove?
  17. How long does it take to strip the product?
  18. Why does DILUNETT darken some woods?
  19. Do you always need to neutralise the surface after stripping with DILUNETT?
  20. How long should I wait before neutralizing the surface?
  21. What should I do if the wood has darkened and neutralisation did not occur in time?
  22. Should any special care be taken when applying the product?
  23. Can you remove DILUNETT with a pressure washer?
  24. Why is it recommended to conduct a preliminary test?
  25. How to carry out the test for stripping wood?
  26. Can DILUNETT be used on plastics?
  27. Will DILUNETT remove glues?
  28. What is the coverage of Dilunett?
  29. Can Dilunett be used for interior and exterior applications?
  30. Is Dilunett environmentally friendly? Is it considered a "green" product?
  31. What is the shelf life of Dilunett - unopened?
  32. What is the shelf life of Dilunett - after it has been opened?
  33. What are the suggested areas of use for Dilunett?
  34. Will DILUNETT remove anti-fouling?

What are the advantages of Dilunett compared with other strippers?

Dilunett is a solvent-free water-based stripping gel that can be rinsed with water. Easy to use, acts alone and can strip up to 8 layers of paint in one application.

Will Dilunett strip all types of paint?

Dilunett can easily strip all types of oil-based monocomponent paint, varnish and stain. Allow a bit longer for water-based paints. On the other hand, Dilunett doesn't strip bicomponent, fast-drying or oven-baked paints.

Can Dilunett be applied to any surface?

Yes, except for aluminium and wood veneer. Remember that you must be able to rinse the surface abundantly with water when stripping.

Why does Dilunett make some woods turn black?

The caustic soda contained in the product can react with certain tannin-rich woods, which makes the wood turn black. That's why we recommend neutralising the wood with Net-trol (same manufacturer).

Do you always have to neutralise the surface after stripping with Dilunett?

No. This is essential when the surface is porous to prevent soda marks remaining on the surface. Therefore, this is imperative on wood.

How long do you have to wait before neutralising the surface?

You must neutralise the surface with Net-trol soon as you've rinsed the surface stripped with Dilunett and before the surface is dry.

What should you do if the wood's turned black and it hasn't been neutralised in time?

In this case, the surface might be burnt. Try to do a test with Net-trol first; wet the support and apply the product as indicated on the packaging. If this doesn't work, try with 130 vol. hydrogen peroxide or with Oxydrine to bleach the wood. If this doesn't work, sand the surface.

Is it necessary to take any special precautions when applying the product?

Because Dilunett contains caustic soda, it is necessary to protect yourself against splashes to avoid getting burnt. We therefore recommend you wear protective gloves and safety glasses. In case of burns, rinse thoroughly with water.

Can you rinse off Dilunett with a high-pressure cleaner?

Yes. In this case, the HP cleaner will facilitate the elimination of the product and coating. However, with wood, make sure you limit the pressure to 60 bars to avoid damaging the surface.

How do you perform a strip test on weathered wood?

In general, you will have to perform at least 2 tests: The first one on the parts where the coating is less damaged. The second one on the parts where the coating is most damaged. The contact times will be different. By adjusting them, you will avoid blackening or linting.

Does Dilunett attack plastics?

No, none

Does Dilunett get rid of adhesives?

Active on: vinyl, acrylic and phenolic adhesives. Inactive on: neoprene, cyanoacrylate, resorcin, polyurethane, epoxide.

What is the hardness of the finish?

All paints remain soft for a certain time after application. This generally depends on the paint: in principle, 2 to 3 days for oil-based paint and up to 30 days for water-based paint. In general, oil-based paints are recommended for surfaces most exposed to abrasion.

What are the advantages of DILUNETT compared to other strippers?

DILUNETT is a water washable stripper that is solvent free and of a gel consistency, which makes it ideal for vertical surfaces. Easy to use, it can strip up to 8 layers of paint in one application.

Can DILUNETT be applied to any surface?

Yes, with the exception of aluminum and wood veneers.

What paints will DILUNETT remove?

DILUNETT easily removes all single pack oil-based paints, varnishes and wood stains. For water-based paints, it is necessary to give Dilunett a longer working time. DILUNETT does not remove two-component, quick-drying or baked on paints.

How long does it take to strip the product?

This will depend on the type and thickness of coating to be removed. For example, from a few minutes for a stain, to approx 4 hours for up to 8 layers of paint while antifouling is up to 12 hours.

Why does DILUNETT darken some woods?

DILUNETT contains caustic soda, which reacts with some tannins, causing the wood to darken. Any wood that has darkened should be neutralized with Net-trol to restore the color of the wood.

Do you always need to neutralise the surface after stripping with DILUNETT?

It is essential to neutralise porous surfaces to prevent traces of caustic soda remaining in the substrate. It is therefore imperative on wood. Non-porous surfaces like gelcoat, metal etc do not need neutralising but should be well rinsed with plenty of fresh clean water.

How long should I wait before neutralizing the surface?

DILUNETT should be neutralized immediately with Net-Trol after rinsing and before it is dry.

What should I do if the wood has darkened and neutralisation did not occur in time?

In these cases, it is possible that the surface has been burnt by the caustic soda. First try lightening the surface with Net-Trol, for this, wet the substrate and apply the product as directed on the packaging. If this does not work, try with hydrogen peroxide at 130 volumes or with Oxydrine to lighten the wood. If non of these options work then the surface will need to be sanded.

Should any special care be taken when applying the product?

DILUNETT contains caustic soda, and therefore all surfaces not to be stripped should be protected to prevent being damaged. In order to prevent burns from splashes etc it is recommended that the user wears gloves and goggles. In case of burns, flush with water.

Can you remove DILUNETT with a pressure washer?

Yes. In this case, the pressure washer will help remove the product and the coating. However care should be taken on wood with the pressure washer used at a maximum of 60 bars /870 psi to prevent damage to the substrate.

Why is it recommended to conduct a preliminary test?

A test is recommended to determine the contact time necessary for stripping the finish. The test, especially on wood, is highly recommended, for two reasons: to avoid or minimize darkening of the wood and the risk of furring.

How to carry out the test for stripping wood?

In general, a minimum of two tests should be carried out: the first on the parts where the coating is the least damaged, the second where the coating is the most damaged. These tests will determine the contact time required for the condition of the coating to be stripped and help to minimize or avoid the darkening and furring of the wood.

Can DILUNETT be used on plastics?

Yes. Dilunett is safe to use on all plastic surfaces including gelcoat.

Will DILUNETT remove glues?

Works on: vinyl, acrylic, phenolic. Inactive: neoprene, cyanoacrylate, resorcin, polyurethanes, epoxy.

What is the coverage of Dilunett?

On average 4 m² per liter. Actual coverage will vary depending on the number of layers to be stripped, thickness of coating, age and texture of surface.

Can Dilunett be used for interior and exterior applications?

Dilunett should only be used for exterior work.

Is Dilunett environmentally friendly? Is it considered a "green" product?

Dilunett is a caustic based product, which is completely water dispersible and will therefore have little impact on the environment when diluted sufficiently with water. However, when mixed with the coating it is stripping care should be taken to avoid the mixture finding its way into any water courses or soil as the mix of coating and Dilunett is unlikely to be environmentally friendly.

What is the shelf life of Dilunett - unopened?

12 months when stored in is original unopened packaging.

What is the shelf life of Dilunett - after it has been opened?

It is difficult to answer this specifically as we do not know the storage conditions or the amount of product left in the container. As a general rule Dilunett should be used within 6 months of opening.

What are the suggested areas of use for Dilunett?

Dilunett may be used on wood, metal (not aluminium), plastic and gelcoat whether the surface is horizontal or vertical. Areas of use may be handrails, decks, hulls, furniture etc.

Will DILUNETT remove anti-fouling?

DILUNETT will remove most anti-foulings, subject to the anti-fouling being compatible with DILUNETT. We would always suggest carrying out a test first before proceeding with the complete job. However for anti-fouling we would suggest using our product MARINE STRIP.