Best Paint Strippers

The most important part of any DIY home improvement job lies in the preparation.

This is especially true when it comes to decorating with electric paint sprayers. The condition of the surface and the way you prepare a wall for painting will determine the quality of the finish when you’ve completed the job.

Therefore, if the layers of paint are peeling, flaking, chalking, or crackling it will directly impact any new coat you apply and no matter how many paint sprayer reviews you read, you’ll end up with a subpar finish. It is recommended that you avoid this from occurring and remove paint from any surfaces before applying new coats.

Best Paint Strippers for 2020

1. Citri-Strip Paint And Varnish Stripping Gel [1 Quart]
2. Max Strip Paint and Varnish Stripper
3. Dumond Chemicals Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover
4. Sunnyside Multi-Strip Advanced Paint and Varnish Remover
5. Sunnyside 2 Minute Remover

Bear in mind that all paints and surfaces are different, so you need to consider the active ingredients of the solvent strippers you choose carefully.

Check out our buying guide at the bottom of this page if you need help picking the best paint remover for your particular needs.

Our #1 Pick: Citri-Strip Paint And Varnish Stripping Gel [1 Quart]

The remover that we are going to highlight is the Citri-Strip Paint and Varnish Stripping option, which is noted as being a Number One Best Seller on Amazon.

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This is a non-toxic and biodegradable gel that will help remove multiple layers of paint and varnish from doors, cabinets, furniture, metal, and masonry surfaces.

Made in the US for eco-friendly individuals, it is very fast-acting and stays active for as long as 24 hours allowing you to strip any multiple layers in one go.

Unlike many other paint removers that consist of methylene chloride and flammable ingredients, this is safe for use indoors as it has no fumes and is non caustic.

So whether you are looking to use it professionally or just around your home for DIY home improvement projects, this is a very effective product. Great for wood spray paints as well as being a good paint stripper for metal.

Popular, reputable, and cost-effective wood metal stripper that is not going to pose health risks while removing multiple layers, you should give serious thought to buying this product.

What We Liked

• 100% biodegradable and contains non-caustic ingredients
• Safe for use indoors and outdoors
• Fast acting and stays active for up to 24 hours
• Works on wood, metal, and masonry

Second Best: Max Strip Paint and Varnish Stripper

This paint and varnish remover from Max Strip is another eco-friendly option and works like a dream for paint stripping wood. It is powerful while still being safe for both the user and your surfaces.

The formula does not contain toxic chemicals such as methylene chloride or NMP meaning that it is not dangerous to touch, eliminating the need for the user to wear industrial type rubber gloves.

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It is very impressive how well it removes all types of paint and varnish from all kinds of surfaces without causing damage. The only material that the manufacturer cautions about is for use on plastic.

Another feature is that not only does it not release any fumes, but it has a pleasant fragrance. It is safe to the touch, no harsh fumes so no special ventilation is required, but as with all chemical use, do ensure there is sufficient ventilation in the room.

In short, this option of paint remover is one of the best paint strippers to remove paint from wood and metal that is on the market today.

What We Like

• Safe for most substrates except plastic
• No toxic chemicals or harsh fumes
• Safe for indoor use
• Non-caustic

Most Eco-Friendly: Dumond Chemicals Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover

There are a lot of advantages when using eco-friendly products. In fact, the eco-friendly products are among the best paint strippers in general.

This SmartStrip product by Dumond Chemicals earns a well-deserved spot on our list of the best furniture stripper. It is water-based which means that it is non-toxic, non-caustic, safe to the touch, and odor-free.

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What makes this product so eco-friendly is that it is 100% bio-degradable and pH neutral. This means that its waste won’t damage the environment, unlike many other paint strippers.

Using this paint stripper is incredibly easy since you don’t need any special tools. Simply apply the formula directly to the surface using a brush.

How long you need to leave the paint stripper on the substrate depends on the number of paint layers and the type of paint. This can range between anywhere from 3 – 24 hours.

After enough time has passed, just grab a scraper and peel away the layers. You can also use light soapy water to remove any leftover residue.

What We Like

• 100% biodegradable
• Non-toxic, non-caustic, odor-free
• Good for indoor use
• Strong enough to work through up to 15 coatings

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Best for Professionals: Sunnyside Multi-Strip Advanced Paint and Varnish Remover

Even among the best paint strippers, there is a difference between those suitable for DIY projects and those suitable for professional use. This Sunnyside product is our top pick for the best professional paint stripper.

Professionals have to manage their time which is why Sunnyside made sure that this paint stripper works quickly. This paint stripper starts working after just 30 minutes.

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You can use this product for both thinner and thicker coatings. A thin layer of this paint stripper is enough for removing 1 – 4 coatings.

For more layers of coatings you will need to apply more of the paint remover. You will also need a stripping tool to get every layer off.

The material sticks well to any surface, even vertical surfaces. This means that the pro handyman can use this Sunnyside product for any job.

Whereas DIY paint strippers are not suitable for all paint materials, this one is perfectly capable. It can handle any water or oil-based paint plus two part epoxy and urethanes.

What We Like

• Commercial-grade paint stripper
• Works quickly and effectively
• Suitable for most paint and varnish materials
• Suitable for both interior and exterior substrates

Quickest: Sunnyside 2 Minute Remover

Let’s be honest, stripping paint requires patience. So, when you are in a rush this is not the type of project you should be tackling.

Unless of course, you decide to use Sunnyside’s 2-minute paint stripper. Yes, just 2 minutes is enough for this product to react with the substrate.

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This may sound too good to be true but there are no hidden toxic chemicals in this paint stripper. There is no methylene chloride and is safe for many surface types, from wood to automotive finishes.

The manufacturer recommends using this product for detailed work only. 1 gallon is enough for up to 25 square feet but it will depend on the substrate.

You will see a reaction on most oil-based finishes such as latex, varnish, and acrylic in just 2 minutes. More difficult finishing materials like epoxy, polyurethane, and floor finishes need at least 5 minutes to start working.

What We Like

• Works fast
• Suitable for most substrates
• Best for detail work
• No methylene chloride

Final Thoughts – Paint Stripper Review Conclusion

There you have it, the products that we feel are the best paint remover on the market right now. We hope it serves as a useful guide when you are trying to find the best paint stripper for your needs.

When it comes to making the decision about which is best though, there are a number of different factors that should always be taken into consideration.

There is not one single stripper type or product that removes all paint from all surfaces – you need to choose the right one for the right job.

There is also the fact that some strippers are more toxic than others, while others are made from completely natural and biodegradable products. So if you have health or even environmental concerns you need to look carefully at the formula for paint strippers.

Here’s a recap of our top 3 favorites:

Summary

And remember that if you are going to use a more caustic or toxic product, that you invest in the correct safety equipment and clothing and follow best and safe working practices. While on the subject of safety don’t forget to look at protective masks and respirators if you are planning on using a paint sprayer and also the correct DIY ladder if you are working up high.

While it is a sensible part of the preparation for projects that you should always consider your budget, it would be wrong to base any purchase decision on the price tag alone. Weigh up all the important factors and find the product that best matches your budget and the other above requirements.

We have tried our best to give you factual and unbiased insight into these top 5 products so that ultimately you make the right decision for you.

Look at the reviews online, consider the surfaces and types of material you will be stripping and we are sure you will find the best paint stripper for your own needs and requirements.

Paint Stripper Buying Guide

If you have tried removing paint in the past, you will know that removing it from large surface areas is almost as exciting as painting them (sigh). When you find a remover that is effective at its job though, it can actually be fun to see the multiple layers of paint come away from the surface you are stripping.

If you’re looking for something to clean up your brushes we highly recommend taking a look at Vinegar as a cleaning product instead of commercial products.

Vinegar can work wonders when it comes to cleaning paint off brushes, scrapers, and tools, so we recommend you give this ago before dunking your expensive brushes in a pot of thinners.

Which Type Is Best For You?

There are three main types of paint strippers available at the moment. These are:

• Solvent Paint Strippers
• Caustic Paint Strippers
• Biochemical Paint Strippers

Solvent Paint Strippers

Solvent paint strippers work by either dissolving or softening the existing bond between the film and the substrate. The coat starts to bubble up and pull away from the surface making it easy to remove.

While Methylene Chloride is the solvent of choice for tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts, there are also alternatives such as Ketone, Acetone, and Toluene.

Although solvent paint strippers are very effective, the health risks posed by their use makes them more dangerous to use than caustic strippers.

Caustic Paint Strippers

Water-based Caustic paint strippers usually have a pH of around 13 to 14 and contain the active ingredient of lye. This is normally either caustic soda, such as sodium hydroxide or potash, that is potassium hydroxide.

When it is applied, the oil in the paint begins to react with the lye, making it soapy and loosening it easily from the surface. Caustic strippers are not nearly as dangerous to use as solvent varieties, however, they can cause skin burns and lung irritation if the right safety equipment is not used.

Biochemical Paint Strippers

As the name suggests, biochemical strippers consist of solvents derived from plants. Depending on the particular brand or formula, the ingredients may include citric acid, soy oil, lactic acid (from corn sugar), dimethylsulfoxide (from wood pulp) or terpenes (from citrus or pine). Skin irritation is a notable risk from using these types of solvents.

Although we will be focusing on the 5 best paint strippers you can buy, it is worth noting there are alternative ways for oil-based paint remover methods. These alternatives include:

• Heat – In the form of a low-intensity infrared heating system, a heat gun or torch.
• Sanding – Using either a power sander or by hand.
• Power Washing – Especially good for removing paint on exterior walls and preparing your fence for a new coat of stain.

Handy Tips For Using Paint Strippers

• Always read the label, to ensure you use your stripper of choice correctly.
• Wear the correct safety wear, such as protective gloves, glasses, and respirators if using solvents.
• Ensure that the area you are working in is well-ventilated so that the fumes escape.
• Make sure you use the correct applicator for the paint stripper you are using, based on its consistency and the surface area you have to use it on.
• Give the chemicals enough time to work.
• Wash and neutralize the surface after removing the old coats of paint, according to the instructions. Then give the surface enough time to dry before you apply a new coat on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope that we have managed to inform you not only of the best paint strippers available but their differences and what you should look for when purchasing. Now we will answer a couple of questions that we get asked the most often.

How to strip paint?

There are three common ways of how to strip paint from wood, metal, and masonry. They are, with heat, chemical stripping, or sanding. Depending on what you want to strip will depend on which method is best for you.

For large flat areas, you may find sanding is a good option, whereas if you have intricate detailing on your piece then the best paint stripper for wood that is available will be the ideal option.

You will see in our paint stripper reviews above that using modern materials it is no longer the dangerous DIY home improvement job it used to be, unlike the old commercial paint remover, nowadays most are eco-friendly and skin safe without the horrible fumes.

How strip paint from wood?

The best way to strip paint from wood especially if you have a piece of furniture with detailing is with an eco-friendly paint stripper such as Citri-Strip Stripping Gel, this contains no caustic chemicals so it is skin safe and does not have a harsh odor, in fact, as the name suggests, it has a pleasant citrus fragrance.

Buy using a paint stripper of this type you will avoid the possibility of damaging the wood either with a heat gun or sander and it will also get into the detailing for removal paint with ease.

What is the best paint striper?

In our minds, we think the best paint stripper are the eco-friendly products. They are not only less harmful to the environment but they are also a lot safer to use than solvent or caustic products. A good example is the Max Strip option in our paint stripper review above.