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 UK for 2020
Here are our top 5 best paint stripper reviews that money can buy in 2020.
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: Rustins Strypit Paint Remover
There are a lot of advantages when using non-caustic products. In fact, the dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride) free gel is not only suitable for removing multiple coats of paint and varnishes but ideal for vertical surfaces. The products are among the best paint strippers in general.
The gel is orange in colour to enable you to see where it has been applied, this option is effective on wood, metal, glass, stone and masonry.
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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 from anywhere between 3 – 24 hours just to ensure that it does not dry out.
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
- Dichloromethane free
- Non-caustic and powerful
- Good for vertical surfaces
- Orange coloured, to see where applied
Second Best: Nitromors All Purpose Paint Stripper
Nitromors is a name that most will recognise, this paint remover is fast-acting and will remove multiple layers. Especially good for paint stripping wood, but it will also remove water-based or oil-based paints from metal and concrete.
Unlike our eco-friendly pick, this does contain harsher chemicals and will require the use of rubber gloves and this varnish stripping gel should preferably be used outdoors or in a very well ventilated room. Nitromors is dichloromethane free, meaning it is less volatile and will stay active for longer than previously.
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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. It is non-drip so ideal for vertical surfaces and is coloured green so you know where it has been applied and enables you to get an even coat.
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
- Will remove multiple layers
- Good for vertical surfaces
- Coloured so you can see where it has been applied
- Easy to apply
Most Eco-friendly: Biostrip20 Paint Stripper – Remover
The remover that we are going to highlight first is the Biostrip 20 Paint and Varnish Stripping option gel. This is a non-toxic water-based option that will help remove multiple layers of paint and varnish from doors, cabinets, furniture, metal, and masonry surfaces.
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This is one for eco-friendly people, it is very easy to use and a top tip, if you are dealing with multiple layers of paint, is to cover the stripper with cling film to stop it drying out and leave it on for 24 hours.
Unlike many other paint removers that consist the more traditional chlorinated solvents ingredients, this is a safer for use indoors as it has no fumes..
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 water-based and oil-based paints, as well as primers and varnish and, is a good paint stripper for metal, concrete and wood.
A 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
- Non-toxic and low odour
- Safe for use indoors (with ventilation)
- Non-irritant
- Works on wood, metal, and masonry
Best for Professionals: Bartoline TX10 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 here is one for both.
Bartoline Limited is a privately owned family business that was first established back in 1876 and is the UK’s leading manufacturer of not just solvents but a complete range of home improvement materials.
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You can use this product for both thinner and thicker paint as it removes multiple layers and adheres 100% to verticle surfaces.
It is a highly effective, non-drip Methylene Chloride free formulation that is non-flammable with minimal evaporation for less of the odours that comes with some paint removers.
Easy to use and powerful definitely one to be taken seriously and probably the best furniture stripper in our reviews.
What We Like
- Non-flammable
- Works quickly and effectively
- Suitable for most paint and varnish materials
- Less evaporation and smell
Fastest Acting: Paint Panther Varnish and Paint Stripper
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. Although there is not too much in it, this option can lift 5 layers of paint in around 15 mins, but it is still very much the case that the longer you can leave it the better.
This is recommended for stripping paint from wood, and if you do wish to use it for anything else we would suggest that you do a test patch first to ensure it will not damage the substrate.
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This is a non-caustic option and is methylene chloride free, which is one of the toxic chemicals that used to be found in most paint strippers and can be used indoors if there is plenty of ventilation.
This is easy to apply and is a non-drip gel and is therefore ideal for intricate and verticle surfaces. Effective on a wide range of new and old paint and varnish formulations
What We Like
- Works fast
- Suitable for vertical surfaces
- Good for detail work
- Methylene chloride free
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 and may to apply more than one coat.
There is also the fact that some strippers are more toxic than others and some have a really strong vapour odour, 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 favourites:
- Dichloromethane Free
- Non-caustic & Powerful
- Can Work in 3 Hours
- Amazon Favorite
- Easy To Apply
- Good for Verticals
- Removes Multiple Layers
- Dichloromethane Free
- Non Toxic & Low Odor
- Safe Indoors
- Non Irritant
- Wood, Metal & Masonry
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 yourself.
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, which 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 spraying 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 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 BioStrip 20 Gel, this contains no caustic chemicals so it is skin safe and does not have a harsh odour, 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 stripper?
The best paint stripper will be fast-acting and remove multiple layers. There are various types as we have discussed, solvent and caustic products and the eco-friendly option. If you are not too concerned about being eco friendly then the Rustin Strypit is our number one pick.
