Staff Answer
Jul 19, 2026 - 01:14 PM
Jul 19, 2026 - 01:14 PM
We’ve provided several answers to questions related to Strippers & Thinners , see some other helpful Q&A related to this product.
Question: I have a very old salad bowl made of burl wood. I want to remove the old finish (whatever it was) and re-finish with some food-safe product. Should this product be used in this kind of case as the stripper? And BTW, what do you recommend for the new finish?
Answer: While the 600GL will surely work to remove the coatings, it is not meant to be around food. We recommend sanding and then sealing with our Bioshield Cutting Board and Salad Bowl Finish.
Question: Hello, will this product work on 2 layers of paint/primer on indoor brick fireplace? There are different Soy Gel/Blue Bear products. Please direct me as to which one is better? Thank you!
Answer: It is best to order a small sample to test first as paints vary. But they do say Franmar 600GL Coatings Remover (also known as Soy-Gel or Soy Gel) is a specially formulated product designed to remove paints, acrylics, epoxies and enamels without the back-breaking work of sanding and chiseling. They also say it clings to vertical surfaces, encapsulates coatings and migrates through multiple layers, down to wood, metal, brick or concrete. But testing is best.
Question: is there a temperature range that is best to use for outside concrete surface concerning 600gl?
Answer: Per the Specs on the product page, "Application Temperature Range Warmer than 55 degrees F ".
Question: I feel I need you to address the fact that this contains NMP a little more clearly...even Lowes will not carry NMP based paint strippers due to concerns about toxicity and yet it is the main choice on your site when there are alternatives. Why is this the product you opt to carry?
Answer: We certainly acknowledge this potential concern on our website. NMP is mainly a problem when it comes in contact with your skin and a potential issue for pregnant women. Therefore, please do not use without gloves or if you are pregnant. Most strippers on the market are highly toxic and this has been an excellent alternative in spite of the restrictions. Our customers like 600GL (formerly Soy Gel) partly because of the low odor and partly because it performs extremely well. Franmar has developed a new product called Safenol that does not have NMP, but is not as aggressive based on our testing.
Question: Can I use this to remove stain and water-based polyurethane protection off a fibreglass entry door?
Answer: No this product will NOT work on fiberglass.
Question: Distributer in 50219 zip code area?
Answer: We are one retailer of the product. You will need to call the manufacturer to see where else they sell it. Or you may order from us online. 50219 is just over an hour's drive from our brick-and-mortar store in Fairfield, Iowa.
Question: We have a water park with a wave pool that has been painted many times, will your product work since there are multiple layers?
Answer: Per the Product Data sheet https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c..., it states, ", 600GL effectively removes multiple layers of topical sealers, acrylics, enamels, urethanes, latex, some epoxies, and other single-component coatings. " It is best to order a small sample online first to test to make certain it works with your particular kind of coating.
Question: can it remove old tennis court paint on concrete?
Answer: "With three times the coverage rate of traditional petroleum removers, 600GL effectively removes multiple layers of topical sealers, acrylics, enamels, urethanes, latex, some epoxies, other single-component coatings, and lead-based paint*." -https://franmar.com/file/117/600GL_sa...With that said, as long as the old tennis court paint is included in that list you should be good to go!
Question: Will this stripper affect the coat of paint that is applied after the stripping process is finished? My finish paint will be a pure linseed oil paint. I've heard that oil based paint can react with paint strippers. Thank you
Answer: Franmar recommends cleaning their 600 GL with a cleaner / degreaser called 700 DG. If this is used properly, all of the residue will be removed and will not affect the new paint. It's all about cleaning the surface thoroughly.
Question: Lenmar Duralaq white nitrocellulose undercoater primer was used on my cabinets, followed by an oil-based paint. Will this effectively remove both the primer and paint?
Answer: That is exactly what the 600GL was made for. Multiple coats may mean you just need to wait a bit longer for the coatings remover to penetrate through (closer to 60 minutes rather than 30 minutes).We do sell sample sizes if you'd like to test before committing to the entire project.
Question: Can this product be used on concrete blocks that have been painted with an exterior latex paint?
Answer: Sure...but if your using it outside around plants or other vegetation, use a drop cloth to avoid getting the product on the plants or on surfaces other than the one being prepped or cleaned.Follow all application and disposal instructions listed on our website.
Question: To remove white paint from a raised concrete grave without damaging the concrete?
Answer: Your best way to know is to order the small sample and test it.
Question: I'm looking to remove adhesive used to glue indoor/outdoor carpet to a wooden porch floor. What do you recommend?
Answer: Our Blue Bear 600GL will remove mastic but only from concrete subfloors. Part of the reason is because it requires 2-3 applications of mopping with water that is not good for wooden subfloors. We recommend grinding with a commercial grinder which can be rented at most rental stores.
Question: Can this be used on Saltillo tiles?
Answer: No.
Question: I read on Amazon that this product should not be used on limestone, However; according to your answers to previous questions on this site, it could be used? Could you clarify?
Answer: Yes, the 600GL application guide does state it should NOT be used on the following: PVC, drywall, limestone, plastic, veneer, terrazzo tile, or rubber.
Question: Do you ship to Canada? I have lead paint on my basement concrete and the workers used Blue Bear Mastic cleaner which I thought was the wrong product and then Klean Strip in some spots and then Blue Bear Coating Remover which was what I thought they were using initially and worked the best by far. They used water wash in between the different products. It still smells very bad after a week even with negative air pressure machine. I'm very sensitive. Help? I think they need a degreaser to properly clean
Answer: We can ship certain parcel products (such as Blue Bear Products) to Canada. To cover specialized custom fees (our flat rate shipping does not apply to Canada) and the like you would have to call in the order 1-888-727-2101 and we will see what's possible to get what you need to you.
Question: Can I use FranMar 600GL Coatings Remover to remove old paint from cabinets and then stain with the Rubio monocoat plus? Or what do you suggest I could use to paint after removing old paint in cabinets (bathroom and kitchen)
Answer: FranMar 600 GL was made to remove old paint from cabinets and works very well. However, if you will be staining with Rubio Monocoat afterwords, the wood must be clean, dry, and lightly sanded in order to make it porous and to remove any paint that was not removed by the 600GL.Alternatively, AFM Ecolacq sandable primer and Ecolacq paint could be applied over the cabinet doors and drawers if you prefer.
Question: Will this work on oil based paint on brick?
Answer: Yes.
Question: How to remove epoxy paint from concrete stairs?
Answer: Yes, this will do the job but you must apply enough and wait long enough for it to work. Because epoxy is thick and tough, it may require more product than regular paint and it may require a longer working time, up to 1-2 hours before it begins to work it's way through.Apply as thick or thicker than the existing coating. Always test in a small area first before applying everywhere. Samples are available on our website.
Question: Will this work on fiberglass boat?Marine paint
Answer: We do not sell anything that will work for that. However, FranMar does have a product to remove bottom paint from a boat. FranMar said you would want to use their Blue Bear 670AF Anti-fouling paint remover. It is more aggressive on bottom paint. The 600GL will not really do the job. For the 670AF, 18 hours is the maximum time on fiberglass. Anything longer would start to affect the gel coat. You may reach out to them to acquire that product.https://products.franmar.com/collecti...
Question: What is the best product to strip paint off outdoor stairs made from railroad ties? I'm looking for something that will be non toxic - our vegetable garden is nearby.
Answer: Try the FranMar 600GL Coatings Remover. It works well on many surfaces including metal. It is non toxic, contains no hazardous materials and will soften the finish in as little as 30 minutes. It can be applied with a brush so as not to have an affect on your garden.
Question: What is the application process?
Answer: Application instructions are included on the product data sheet which is on the downloads section of the product detail page (direct link also below for your convenience). These instructions would also be included on the product label.https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Is this your best product to remove paint from an outdoor deck?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Will this paint stripper be safe for fiberglass?
Answer: Yes, if it has been painted with normal paint. If you have a gelcoat finish, like on a boat, it will not remove that. Samples are available for testing.
Question: Will this product work on multiple layers of acrylic base deck stain?
Answer: 600GL effectively removes multiple layers of topical sealers, acrylics, enamels, urethanes, latex, some epoxies, and other single-component coatings per the manufacturer specs, https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c.... The best way to know is to order a small sample online and test it.
Question: I have stained outdoor furniture that I mistakenly put a polyurethane on top ..so it has bubbled in the heat..will this product remove the polyurethane as well as strip the stain?
Answer: Blue Bear 600GL is a coatings remover. Stains are typically penetrating and not topical coatings. If the stain penetrated into the wood, then Blue Bear will not remove it. You will need to sand at that point, but at least you won't have to sand through all the poly.
Question: Can you use on sheet aluminum?
Answer: This product is safe to use on concrete, masonry, wood, and metal. We sell a test sample size so you can test on a small area to make sure it will work to remove whatever you are removing.
Question: can this be used to strip the powder coating from a steel bumper?
Answer: Powder coating is pretty strong so we have nothing that will strip it at all.
Question: Can it be sprayed on?
Answer: Yes, per the instructions ... "Apply a thick layer of 600GL by pouring, brushing, squeegee, or commercial airless sprayer..."Entire Instructions here: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: I work a military base and I was asked to remove old sealer on concrete floor would this product help ?
Answer: Yep. This is exactly what this was made for. We sell sample sizes if you want to confirm this will work against your specific sealer. Follow directions and you should be good.Application Directions: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Can this product be used on a limestone fireplace to remove spilled polyurethane without damaging the limestone or the grout?
Answer: FranMar Blue Bear 600GL Coatings Remover should remove the spilled polyurethane from your limestone fireplace. However, to ensure it will not damage the limestone and grout or mortar, please buy a sample size first and test it in an inconspicuous spot. Our sample size contains three or four ounces of the 600 GL.
Question: Will your product remove lacquer:paint from the tin metal on the steamer trunk I am restoring. Have tried many products but to no avail? Thank you for responding
Answer: If it is lacquer or paint, yes that is what it is made to remove regardless of what substrate is underneath it. If, however, it is shellac, then alcohol would be a better solution.
Question: Will this product remove a water based acrylic sealer on a concrete floor?
Answer: Yes. That is precisely what this has been formulated for.
Question: Will blue bear 600 GL remove multiple layers of urethane from a concrete floor?
Answer: Without knowing the specific urethane you are tackling, I can say this product is a workhorse and that stripping urethane and other coatings is what it is formulated to do. Application Instructions here : https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...We do sell sample sizes if you'd like to test and establish this will do the job against your specific urethane project.We recommend you use this in conjunction with FranMar 700DG Degreaser.
Question: Will this work on Behr Advanced Deck Over? It started chipping merely months after we painted it and now our deck looks horrible.
Answer: We have no experience with Behr Advanced Deck Over, but there is certainly a really good chance it would work. It is formulated to work on removing most paints, acrylics, epoxies and enamels. And if it does not work in the initial 30 minute set time, you can let it soak in longer for tougher jobs.We sell samples so you could do your own testing to see if it works for your specific situation.
Question: Will this work to strip clear coat or whatever on it off of aluminum wheels?
Answer: Franmar 600GL Coatings Remover is a specially formulated product designed to remove paints, acrylics, epoxies and enamels from metal (and wood, brick, stone, plaster, concrete). Follow the directions (link below) and it should do the trick. WARNING: Not to be used on rubber, plastic, or PVC, so if your wheels have any of these materials on them or near them take care where you apply the product. We carry sample sizes for testing purposes.Application Instructions: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Will it render lead paint non toxic? Looks like most lead paint came off. Is there a secondary cleaner to get the rest off that the scraper isn't getting? I bought 600GL and the degreaser.
Answer: 600 GL is specially formulated to turn the lead paint into a jelly-like substance. Therefore no lead will become airborne and it will allow the paint to become easier to scrape off. You will use the degreaser after to clean it up.
Question: will this strip water based paint?
Answer: Yes, absolutely.
Question: Will this product work to remove pool paint off of a gunite pool?Of course without damaging the pool surface.
Answer: I'm sorry to say we have no product that will work on a gunite pool.
Question: Will this strip layers of driveway xylene paint?
Answer: Per the FranMar tech department, 600GL will remove epoxies. However, it can take up to 24-48 hours depending upon if it is a two-part epoxy. So using it is very time consuming. Test an area first to verify it will work and then it's a matter of babysitting it. You may order a small sample online first to test it.
Question: Does this work well with bathtubs that have been refinished to remove finish?
Answer: No. (Presuming you are talking about a traditional porcelain bathtub, we have nothing for that.)
Question: Will this product work for automotive paints?
Answer: No. We do not have a product that will work for automotive paints.
Question: What does a gallon cost and what is the shipping cost?
Answer: As of right now, a gallon runs $66.75 for this product. Shipping is dependant on where this is shipping to, as is sales tax. If you add this to your shopping cart a shipping estimate will show.
Question: Can this product be used to remove residue on slate floor?
Answer: Yes.
Question: I have brick pavers on my patio, They have been sealed twice in 10 years, Now I have a few pavers with a whitish build up. Will this clean the white off the pavers? Thanks.
Answer: 600GL effectively removes multiple layers of topical sealers, acrylics, enamels, urethanes, latex, some epoxies, and other single-component coatings. Unless the problem is topical, according to the manufacturer, it may be best to strip it completely and redo it.
Question: How good is it at removing mastic off of wood floors?
Answer: The mastic remover we sell is only for concrete floors. We do not have a mastic remover for wood floors.
Question: Will 600 GL remove a powder coating from a metal surface? Thank you!
Answer: We confirmed with the manufacturer that 600 GL will NOT remove a powder coating from a metal surface.
Question: Can this be used on fiberglass doors?
Answer: 600 GL can be used to remove paint on fiberglass.
Question: Does this product remove polyurethane from a stone patio?
Answer: Yes, 600GL effectively removes multiple layers of topical sealers, acrylics, enamels, urethanes, latex, some epoxies, and other single-component coatings. Made with soybeans, 600GL is a safe, low-odor, non-caustic, green coating remover.
Question: How long does it take for it to work? Or do you have to work your butt off to scrape it off
Answer: Per the instructions, let it sit for 30-60 minutes, then using a scraper try to remove the coating. If it's proving difficult still, then let sit longer. This sales video spells it out fairly succinctly how the product works. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_co...
Question: Does it remove epoxy paint ??
Answer: This product effectively removes multiple layers of topical sealers, acrylics, enamels, urethanes, latex, SOME epoxies, and other single-component coatings. We sell sample sizes so you can get a sample and see if it is effective against your specific epoxy paint.
Question: Will this product remove 30 year old polyurethane from a brick floor?
Answer: 600GL can indeed be used on brick. Because the coating is so old, we suggest you first order a small sample online to test it and see how well it works in a small spot for your particular poly.
Question: Is this product good to remove paint from a deck?
Answer: Yes, you'd then want to use the FranMar, Blue Bear, 700DG for clean up after using the 600GL. Please see full instructions here: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Will it take paint off garage floor done to its base?
Answer: Yes. If there are multiple coats, it may take two applications. Make sure you use enough product and wait long enough for it to work. Some people put on too thin or don't wait long enough. It works within 30min to 1 1/2 hours and turns the paint into a mush so it becomes easy to clean off. When done, use the 700DG to clean and degrease.
Question: is 600gl the best substance to use on exterior wood walls 100 years old ?
Answer: FranMar 600GL Coatings Remover is meant to remove paints, acrylics, epoxies and enamels on concrete, masonry, wood, and metal. If your exterior walls fit into that category, it is highly likely. You may order a small sample online first to test before buying enough for your whole area.
Question: Will this product remove a tinted stain from a redwood ceiling? I'm assuming the ceiling is not painted because I can still see the grain of the wood except where it was inconsistently applied more thickly. I'd like to restore the ceiling to its natural color. Thank you.
Answer: 600GL is meant to remove topical substances such as paint and epoxies but not stain which has penetrated the wood. If you are wanting to get down to the bare wood color, you will have to sand it.
Question: I want to refinish some furniture that has been stained and sealed with some type of varnish or urethane. Does this product only remove the top seal coat ? Will the stained wood still need to be sanded to remove the color ?
Answer: The 600GL Coatings Remover will remove anything that is coating the surface. The longer you leave it on the surface, the more coatings it will eat away. If there are finishes on the furniture that are penetrating finishing, that means that they have soaked into the pores of the wood and are not on top of it, but beneath the surface. To get rid of coloration from a penetrating stain, the wood needs to be sanded past the level of the coloration. Sometimes a combination of a coatings remover and sanding is helpful.
Question: Will your product remove latex paint from outside brick surface?
Answer: Yes, it will remove almost any paint.
Question: Will fran mar 600 go coating and remover remove urethane paint from bottom of boat and not hurt the fiberglass gel coat?
Answer: We do not sell anything that will work for that. However, FranMar does have a product to remove bottom paint from a boat. FranMar said you would want to use their Blue Bear 670AF Anti-fouling paint remover. It is more aggressive on bottom paint. The 600GL will not really do the job. For the 670AF, 18 hours is the maximum time on fiberglass. Anything longer would start to affect the gel coat. You may reach out to them to acquire that product.