Caustic Soda & Wallpaper Paste, Dilution

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funkytwig
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Caustic Soda & Wallpaper Paste, Dilution

Post by funkytwig »

Around 15 years ago I cleaned my unvarnished floorboards with a mixture of Caustic Soda & Wallpaper Paste. This worked splendidly. The wallpaper paste was so I could paint it on. I then scrubbed, rinsed and neutralised with a 25% vinegar solution (I think it was 25%). I then varnished with epoxy varnish, which in retrospect was a bad idea as it is virtually imposable and hazardous to remove.

Anyway its looking a bit tatty (bits warn through) so I've decided to clean the floor and after trying lots of things and spending a few days decided to go back to Caustic Soda & Wallpaper Paste as it works so well.

Problem is I can't work out the dilution. I used crystals and seem to remember something like 10 litres to 100g crystals but can't remember and its nasty stuff. I know it was a very week solution. I've heard people talk about starting at 5% but as I have crystals cant work out how to make a 5% solution.

Any advice on how to get the strength right.

Ben
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Caustic Soda & Wallpaper Paste, Dilution

Post by Rorschach »

I am pretty sure the epoxy will resist the caustic soda.
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Caustic Soda & Wallpaper Paste, Dilution

Post by funkytwig »

Yea, that's the idea. I am going to get the floor really clean and put another couple of coats on the same epoxy varnish on top. I did this in the hall, cleaning with dilute vinegar and pan scrubbers. Worked fairly well but the Caustic Soda should do a better job with less work. Was worried you would be able to see parches where the varnish had warn through to the wood but it was fine.
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Caustic Soda & Wallpaper Paste, Dilution

Post by funkytwig »

OK, have some info that may be helpful for others I found. Think 500g to 1L for full-on paint striper. Add it 100g (or even 50) at once stirring it into the water as it gets hot. Use think rubber gauntlets, not thin marigolds and wear a respirator mask and eye protestors. For cleaning floorboards, I am going to try 50g to 2l. If you are going to try this make sure you read first post in this thread.
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