Reviewed by N. Glenn Perrett

Since turning to a vegetarian, and then vegan, lifestyle many years ago I have tried many items made from soybeans. I have to admit that I was surprised to learn that there was a paint stripper made from this useful plant, but I was eager to put it to the test.

I have refinished numerous pieces of furniture. Refinishing furniture is environmentally friendly in that it makes use of an already existing item. I haven't enjoyed using the toxic strippers though. Recently I tried Soy Gel, a paint stripper that, according to the literature, is "100% biodegradable" and "non-caustic and non-hazardous." The thick solution made from soybeans has a low evaporation rate.

I tried it on a desk. After applying a relatively thick coat of Soy Gel I left it for a few hours. It effectively removed both coats of paint over much of where I applied it. Since the paint and Soy Gel mixture that was removed would be toxic because of the paint, it was disposed of in a responsible manner (taken to a facility designed to handle such waste). I'm looking forward to using this product for future furniture restoration projects.

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