How to use Nitromors

Getting rid of unwanted paint or varnish can be a pain, but there are a number of popular products out there to help you do the job quicker and easier – and Nitromors is one of them.

In this guide, we look at how to use Nitromors paint remover to help you with your home decorating project. As one of the leading brands for stripping paint and varnish, Nitromors has been around since the 1930s and is a popular choice for many DIY enthusiasts. Keep reading to find out more.

How to use Nitromors paint remover

When you buy Nitromors, you’ll see the manufacturer’s instructions are clearly labelled on the packaging. As with any chemical product you use in your home, it’s important to read all the instructions and make all the recommended preparations before using Nitromors.

Preparation

Your health and safety is always a priority whenever you’re carrying out DIY projects in your home, especially when using chemical products like Nitromors. So here are the tips to prepare:

• Always wear protective gloves and safety goggles when handling Nitromors.
• Work outside, if possible.
• When working indoors, make sure you have good ventilation and keep windows open.
• Protect the surrounding area where you’re working with plastic/polythene sheets.
• Don’t use Nitromors in direct sunlight.
• Never use Nitromors for removing car paint or with plastics.

Nitromors instructions

Here’s a quick summary of how to use Nitromors:

1. Remove the overcap and prepare to fill it.
2. Pour the Nitromors into the overcap (and immediately replace the cap on the Nitromors bottle).
3. Apply a thick coat (2-3mm) onto the paint or varnish you want to remove, using a dabbing action to areas of up to 0.5m2.
4. Leave for 5-10 minutes to allow the paint or varnish to blister and then apply a second coat of Nitromors to the bolstered surface.
5. Leave for about 40 minutes, but don’t allow it to dry out – if it dries out then reapply a coat.
6. Remove the blistered paint or varnish using a scraper – or wire wool to remove any stubborn paint.
7. Repeat the above process if necessary.
8. Wash the surface using a scourer and cold water mixed with detergent, or use white spirit on fine wood (to avoid raising the grain).
9. All to dry completely and rub down with fine sandpaper or wire wool.

What is Nitromors?

Nitromors is a high-strength, all-purpose paint and varnish remover that’s designed for DIY use on wood, metal and masonry. It uses gel technology to break down and blister paint and varnish so that it can then be easily removed. It’s even water washable so that you can easily clean up after you’ve used it.

The main active ingredients of Nitromors previously included dichloromethane (which was the main ingredient) and methanol. However, the ingredients changed in 2009 when the EU introduced legislation banning methylene chloride – a solvent that Nitromors had previously used in their formulation. The current version of All Purpose Nitromors no longer contains dichloromethane.

Play if safe and hire a professional painter and decorator

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of removing paint or restoring wood yourself, hire an experienced local painter and decorator to do it for you. Use our quick and easy online search to find the best tradespeople in your area. Or use our get a quote feature and we’ll find you multiple quotes for the work from local painters and decorators who come recommended by your neighbours.

Are you planning to restore furniture? Check out our guide on how to restore antique furniture.

FAQs

Can you paint after using Nitromors?

You can indeed paint after using Nitromors, but you’ll need to make sure that you’ve properly prepared the surface for repainting. After using Nitromors and leaving the surface to completely dry out, you then need to:

• Sand the surface until it’s smooth and blemish-free
• Repair any damage to the surface, such as cracks or divots (which you can fill with wood putty and then re-sand down)
• After sanding and repairing, carefully wipe down the surface to remove all dust and debris
• To achieve the best results for your new paint, apply a primer to the surface first so that the paint can easily bond to it

If you follow the above steps, your surface will be ready to apply your fresh coat of paint. Job done.

Can you leave paint remover on too long?

Yes, you can leave paint remover like Nitromors on for too long – if you let it dry out. The trick with paint remover is to leave it as long as possible to work its magic on the paint or varnish, but without letting it dry out and harden. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how long to leave your chosen paint remover on for.

Is Nitromors dangerous?

Nitromors is a chemical product and, as such, should be treated with great care whenever you’re working with it. Always work in a well-ventilated area (ideally outdoors), as the fumes from Nitromors are considered a health risk. Here are the safety warnings for Nitromors paint remover:

• It can cause serious eye irritation
• It’s harmful if swallowed
• It’s a highly flammable liquid and vapour
• Using Nitromors may cause drowsiness or dizziness, or damage to organs
• Repeated exposure to Nitromors may cause skin dryness or cracking

Does Nitromors damage wood?

Nitromors is designed to remove paint and varnish without damaging wooden surfaces underneath. Even when Nitromors is used in thick layers (as instructed), wood should remain undamaged.