on metal surfaces that are too thin to be chipped or wire brushed. The three types of removers generally used are flammable, nonflammable, and water-base alkali. They are hazardous materials, and you must strictly observe safety  precautions  when  you  use  them.  Use  these removers only in well-ventilated spaces. Don’t use the alkali type on aluminum or zinc because of its corrosive properties. The procedures you follow when using paint and varnish removers are the same regardless of type. Wet the surface with a smooth coat of the remover and let it soak thoroughly until the paint or varnish is loosened. Then lift the paint off with a hand scraper. After the surface is cleaned, wet it again with the remover and wipe  it  off  with  a  rag.  Finally,  wash  the  surface thoroughly with paint thinner or soap and water. The final rinse gets rid of any wax left by the remover and any acids that may have worked into the grain of the wood. Paint and Varnish Remover Safety Precautions The  following  safety  precautions  should  be observed when you use paint and varnish removers: Never use paint and varnish removers around an open flame. Some types are highly flammable. Do not use removers in confined spaces because their dangerous anesthetic or toxic properties can kill or cause injury if you are exposed to them for long periods. Do not use paint or varnish removers if you have an open cut or sore on your hand unless you wear rubber gloves. Do not let the remover touch your skin; watch out particularly for your face, eyes, and mouth. If paint or varnish remover should come in contact with the skin, wash it off immediately with cold water; seek medical attention as soon as possible if it gets into your eyes or mouth. Never use turpentine or mineral spirits as hand cleaners because they are absorbed through the skin pores. Gasoline also is dangerous and must never be used. To clean paint or varnish remover from your hands, use soap and water only. PAINTING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Painting can be dangerous if one is careless. Many paints are highly flammable, others are poisonous, and some are both flammable and poisonous. To increase your chances of remaining alive and healthy, observe the following precautions: Keep paint off your skin as much as possible. Wash your hands, arms, and face with soap and warm  water  before  eating.  Do  not  put  your fingers, food, or cigarettes in your mouth if they are contaminated with paint. Be sure you have adequate ventilation, and wear an  approved  paint/spray  respirator  whenever there  is  reason  to  believe  the  ventilation  is inadequate in the place you are painting. At the first sign of dizziness, leave the space and get to fresh air. Do  not  smoke,  use  an  open  flame,  or  use spark-producing tools in the vicinity of painting operations. Use only explosion-proof lights near painting operations. Do not wear nylon, orlon, or plastic clothing or covering.  These  materials  generate  static electricity,  which  may  spark  and  ignite  paint vapors. Do not carry matches or cigarette lighters or wear steel buckles or metal shoe plates. Too often one  forgets  and  strikes  a  match  or  lights  a cigarette lighter in areas filled with explosive vapors. Also, steel buttons, buckles, and tabs can strike sparks that are invisible to your eyes but are capable of igniting paint vapors. When pouring solvents, make sure the containers are touching each other to prevent sparks. Never paint during electrical storms. Keep  food  and  drink  away  from  areas  being painted. 18-16 Student Notes: