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Old House Journal Directory > Repair Products & Tools > Tools & Equipment

From Old House Journal

For 50 years Old House Journal has been the preeminent resource for those passionate about restoring and reviving historical homes. Enjoy Old House Journal content, from the original restoration magazine, now through Fine Homebuilding.

Franmar, Inc.

We manufacture safe, green cleaners for a variety of industries. Most of them are made with soybeans, and a few with other renewable resources.

(800) 538-5069
Bloomington, IL 61702
[email protected]
www.franmar.com


For more than 40 years, Franmar has been synonymous with green innovation. We are a family-owned business in Bloomington, Illinois that believes people should be able to undertake cleaning and restoration projects without risking their health or harming the environment.

Our BLUE BEAR® products rely on the power of soybeans and other natural chemistries rather than harsh chemicals like methylene chloride, mineral spirits or trisodium phosphate (TSP). Soy-based solvents are an affordable, superior alternative because they can easily penetrate coatings, adhesives, grease, asphalt and more, without noxious odors or side effects.

The BLUE BEAR line features nearly two dozen products, including paint strippers, mastic removers and surface cleaners, that are ideal for DIYers. They don’t require professional expertise or a lot of protective equipment, and are convenient for projects in living spaces like basements or kitchens. Customer reviews tout our products as “amazing,” “unbelievable” and “best in the world.”

Whether you’re giving new life to an old piece of furniture or an old house, BLUE BEAR is the smart choice for all your renovation needs!

Soy Gel:
A customer favorite for more than 25 years, BLUE BEAR® Soy Gel™Paint & Urethane Stripper works on nearly all types of coatings, including paint, lead-based paint, vanish, urethane and more. The gel formula clings to vertical surfaces, encapsulates coatings and stays wet for more than 24 hours, making it a favorite of DIYers! Made with American-grown soybeans, it’s low-odor and non-caustic. A home-improvement essential!

 


Emerge:
BLUE BEAR® Emerge™Cleaner & Degreaser is an easy-to-use formula that tackles tough cleaning jobs indoors and outdoors. This versatile, low-VOC cleaner eliminates grease, grime and oil on most hard surfaces, including painted walls, metal, concrete and asphalt. Ideal for clean-up after using BLUE BEAR mastic remover and paint strippers, Emerge has a multitude of other uses in the house, garage and workshop! (Also available in a concentrated formula.)


BEAN•e•doo
BLUE BEAR® BEAN•e•Doo® Mastic Remover effectively cleans and restores concrete without the need for a hazmat suit. Our fast-acting formula softens tough mastics (including black mastics with asbestos) and other tile/carpet adhesives – even if they are decades old. Free of harsh chemicals and fumes, it’s ideal for use in occupied areas. Clean-up is simple with a scraper or squeegee.

Gluing carpeting down on concrete floor


Ickee Stickee Unstuck
Get rid of gunk with the best natural adhesive remover on the market! BLUE BEAR® Ickee Stickee Unstuck® Adhesive Glue Remover quickly eliminates build-up and residue from most surfaces, at home or work. A hassle-free way to remove unwanted stickers, labels, duct tape and more! Just spray on and wipe off. Works in seconds!

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
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    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

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