Best Paint Remover/Stripper 2023 (Top 9 Picks)

Are you looking for the best paint remover for wood/metal? I can tell you from my experience that removing paint from anything is not an easy task.

We tried many paint removers that belong to different companies, and only some of them worked. Below is the list of paint strippers that work.

Best Paint Remover/Stripper (The Best Options)

1. Dumond Chemicals, Inc. 3332 bright strip advanced paint remover

 

 

Dumond’s smart strip advanced paint remover is my absolute first choice; this product takes eco-friendly to an entirely new level.

• Removes multiple layers (up to 15)
• Odor-free
• Non-carcinogenic, i.e., free of methylene chloride
• Biodegradable paint remover formulation
• Water-based
• Free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

This powerful paint remover comes in a quart bucket. It easily removes up to fifteen coating layers despite being formulated without caustic or harsh chemicals such as NMP and methylene chloride.

Despite being skeptical when I purchased this paint remover by Dumond initially, this formula provided miraculous results! First of all, there is absolutely no smell, no skin irritation when I accidentally got some remover on me, it works smoothly, and it’s easy to clean up afterward.

To start, mask off the area you are working correctly to avoid any mess or leftover paint stains on the floor. I slathered on a layer of 1/6th to 1/8th of an inch of 3332 intelligent strip paint remover; the thicker the covering, the more effectively it functions.

Cover the area adequately with plastic sheets or wax paper. This action quickens up the drying process considerably.

Although Dumond recommends a 3-24 hours wait period, I left it overnight to allow it to dry entirely. After 24 hours, the paint wipes off, but you can use a scraper or steel wool on the tricky areas. I also used some mineral spirit to clean off the solvent in the end.

Although it works well, I would not suggest using this solvent for large exteriors such as walls, furniture, or wood due to its high price point. Best used for stripping paint from smaller surfaces.

Pros

• Eco friendly
• Removes multiple layers (up to 15)
• Odour-free
• Non-carcinogenic, i.e., free of methylene chloride
• Biodegradable formulation
• Water-based
• Free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
• Easy to clean if it gets on the skin

Cons

• Not recommended for large surfaces as this product is a bit heavy on pocket

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2. Citristrip QCSG801 paint and varnish stripping gel

With a fresh citrus scent, this eco-friendly natural indoor-outdoor remover is ideal for quick paint removals from all kinds of surfaces without causing any corrosion!

• Allows multiple layer removal within an hour (5 layers)
• Safe for wood, masonry, and metal
• Fresh citrus scent
• Gel form
• Removes latex, oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, polyurethane, and shellac
• NMP free (non-corrosive)
• Biodegradable
• Stays active for up to 24hours
• One quart container

While Citristrip may lack harmful substances such as NMP and methylene chloride, it delivers its promise effectively. My favorite aspect of this paint stripping gel is its pleasant odor. The citrusy orange smell did not cause me any discomfort, and the non-caustic formulation protected my skin and respiratory system against any damage.

The stripper gets applied with a gel-like consistency on any piece of furniture and starts to loosen multiple layers of paint in less than 30 minutes without corroding the surface. While the paint on my surface began to bubble instantaneously, Citristrip paint remover needed to stay on for a few hours to remove the color entirely.

The best feature that sets this particular paint remover apart from its competitors is its ability to stay wet and active for 24 hours.

While this formula effectively lifts all paints, it requires multiple applications to clean off old coatings on my doors.

Pros

• Allows multiple layer removal within an hour (5 layers)
• Safe for wood, masonry and metal
• Fresh citrus scent
• Gel form
• Removes latex, oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, polyurethane and shellac
• NMP-free (non-corrosive)
• Biodegradable
• Stays active for up to 24 hours
• One quart container
• It doesn’t have harmful substances such as NMP and methylene chloride
• non-caustic formulation protects the skin and respiratory system against any damage.
• Its ability to stay wet and active for 24 hours gives it an edge over its competitors.

Cons

• It requires multiple applications to clean off old coatings on doors.

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You might like: Best Paint for Wood Fence

3. Sunnyside corporation 68532 Hi-speed Ready-strip Citrus Paint and Varnish Remover

This product by Sunnyside Corporation is mainly introduced for buyers who want to carry out a quick DIY paint removal job.

• Removes three layers of paint per application
• No-drip formula
• Quart trigger spray
• Citrus odor
• 30-minute activation period
• Removes water and oil-based paints and varnish
• Safe to use on wood, plaster, concrete, brick, stone, masonry, metal
• VOC free
• Water cleanup

The no-drip formula easily clings to vertical surfaces and effectively removes paints and varnishes. Being free of harsh chemicals, the pain remover is safe to use this high-speed remover on all kinds of interior or exterior surfaces.

While using this product, I made sure to wear gloves, wear safety glasses and follow the instructions closely. The first step is to apply this solvent with a large brush or roller. During the application, I used a thick dripping layer where I could not see the paint underneath. A more generous layer of paint remover resulted in large pieces getting off with lesser scraping.

The remover dried off considerably quicker and did not make a sticky mess like other paint removers. It also came off quickly with water as promised.

However, I also used a putty knife to remove the stickier spots of old paint off. One user tip that worked for me was applying two applications and covering each application with taped plastic on vertical surfaces to prevent evaporation.

I faced the con that the application and removal took a lot of work, time, and energy! It’s an entire day job in the end.

Pros

• Removes three layers of paint per application
• No-drip formula
• Quart trigger spray
• Citrus odor
• 30-minute activation period
• Removes water and oil-based paints and varnish
• Safe to use on wood, plaster, concrete, brick, stone, masonry, metal
• VOC free
• Water Cleanup
• Easy to use on interior and exterior surfaces

It doesn’t make any sticky mess like all the other paint removers

Cons

• Application of this paint remover takes a lot of time and energy.

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4. Dumond Chemicals, Inc. 3301 smart strip advanced paint remover

The caustic-free formula of this biodegradable paint imparts no toxic fumes as it removes all types of paints, varnish, and other coatings of different kinds of surfaces. Dumond Chemical 3301 smart strip is, therefore, the most eco-friendly paint remover formula available.

• Paste formation
• Odor-free
• Environment friendly
• Free of caustic chemicals and VOCs
• Removes all types of paints and varnishes
• 100% biodegradable
• Multiple paint layer remover
• Works on wood, brick, metal, concrete, stone, fiberglass, and plastic

This formula is safe to be used inside, even in less-ventilated areas around your home or workplace.

The main trick is to glob on the paint with as thick a layer as you can. For my wooden door, one application successfully removed eight layers of old paint previously done.

The best feature was the absence of any fumes during the whole process. However, this formula is way pricier than other solvent options I had.

Pros

• Paste formation
• Odour-free
• Environment friendly
• Free of caustic chemicals and VOCs
• Removes all types of paints and varnishes
• 100% biodegradable
• Multiple paint layer remover
• Works on wood, brick, metal, concrete, stone, fibreglass, and plastic
• No toxic fumes
• Safe to be used inside.
• It can also work well in less-ventilated areas

Cons

• Expensive

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5. Sunnyside 65732A Multi strip Advanced Paint and varnish remover

Sunnyside advanced paint and varnish remover can remove multiple layers of finish with one application safely.

• Removes up to 15 layers of paint and varnish
• Will adhere to vertical surfaces
• Safe for wood, plaster, concrete, brick, stone, marble, metal, and masonry
• Works on both oil and water-based paints
• Biodegradable
• Semi-paste texture
• Caustic free
• Quart bottle

This spray-able formula boasts of removing up to 15 layers of paint from metal or wood surfaces using a scraper. I opted to apply the product through a spray paint gun, spread a very generous amount on the affected area that I needed cleaning, and let it dry till it turned darkish green in color.

However, the removal by wired brushing is labor-intensive and needs a good amount of effort.

Yet the low price (half of the competitor’s worth) of this paint remover does justify the extra work needed.

Despite its quick-dry attribute, it does not include the application and removal process, which took me a long time eventually.

Pros

• Removes up to 15 layers of paint and varnish
• Will adhere to vertical surfaces
• Safe for wood, plaster, concrete, brick, stone, marble, metal, and masonry
• Works on both oil and water-based paints
• Biodegradable
• Semi-paste texture
• Caustic free
• Quart bottle
• Easy on the pocket

Cons

• Labor-intensive
• It does not include the application and removal process, which takes a long time eventually.

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6. Automotive Stripper super remover Metals

This paint remover is our ideal choice for all automotive paint cleaning jobs. Automotive stripper super remover promises industrial performance without any exposure to toxic substances.

• Water cleanable
• Ultra-fast action(less than 15 minutes)
• Removes multiple layers (up to 5)
• Gel formula
• It easily clings to vertical surfaces
• Safe for all surfaces

As with any auto part paint stripping, my first step was to cover the surrounding areas around the project surface. I lightly sand the area to aid in the stripping process. After pouring a pretty thick layer of the stripping agent on the focus area with a paintbrush, I covered it immediately with the polyethylene sheet.

After letting it rest, the paint quickly came off with a spatula. I ended the job with a cleaning solvent to clean the problematic areas. It takes 2-3 applications in actuality to clear out the product entirely.

One disadvantage is that this formula liquefies the paint to such an extent that a thick layer comes back on in some places during scraping.

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Pros

• An ideal choice for all automotive paint cleaning jobs
• Water cleanable
• Ultra-fast action(less than 15 minutes)
• Removes multiple layers (up to 5)
• Water cleanable
• Gel formula
• It easily clings to vertical surfaces
• Safe for all surfaces

Cons

• This formula sometimes liquefies the paint too much.

You might like: Best Paint for Basement Walls

7. Max strip Paint and Varnish stripper

 

This powerful no-drip paint stripper got our nod of approval due to its fume and toxic-free formulation, easy usability for beginners, and shallow price point.

• No-drip gel consistency
• Pleasant smell
• Easy application
• Works on wood, metal, tile, glass, stone, and masonry
• Non-toxic
• Works on vertical surfaces
• Low Volatile organic compounds in the formula

The unique selling point that Max Strip provides us with is its water-based, skin safe and fume-free formula.

The company’s claim that you can use this solvent indoors due to its pleasant smell also held, and I had no issue cleaning up my kids’ room floor in one go without any discomfort.

However, I would recommend this product mainly for home use, not bigger heavy-duty industrial or automotive-level jobs.

The only downside was that spraying, again and again is tiring, and I would have preferred a continuous spray nozzle instead.

Pros

• Fume and toxic-free formulation
• No-drip gel consistency
• Pleasant smell hence can be used indoors as the company promises
• Easy application
• Works on wood, metal, tile, glass, stone and masonry
• Works on vertical surfaces
• Low Volatile organic compounds in the formula
• Skin safe

Cons

• It is recommended for something other than bigger heavy-duty industrial or automotive-level jobs.
• Spraying, again and again, is tiring

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8. Paint Stripper super Remover New Generation

One of the more affordable picks on our list, the super remover new generation, is a potent paint remover that gets the job done without causing any significant harm to us or the environment.

• Free of toxic chemicals
• Ultra-fast action (within 15 minutes)
• Removes multiple(up to 5) layers per application
• Suitable for heavy-duty projects
• Works on all kinds of paints (water-based, oil-based, lead-based)
• Safe for concrete, metal, wood
• Quart bottle

I applied an even thick coat on my Victorian interior wall and spread it quickly all over the surface to about a 1/8th of an inch thickness. The product begins to break the vapor barrier within 15-20 minutes. Once the stripper had penetrated all the layers, I removed the residue using a microfiber cloth and constant rubbing.

Although it proved effective on lighter surfaces, this brand did not work well on automotive-grade paints and primer.

Pros

• Environment friendly
• Free of toxic chemicals
• Ultra-fast action (within 15 minutes)
• Removes multiple (up to 5) layers per application
• Suitable for heavy-duty projects
• Works on all kinds of paints (water-based, oil-based, lead-based)
• Safe for concrete, metal, wood
• Quart bottle
• Effective on lighter surfaces

Cons

• Does not work as well on automotive-grade paints and primer.

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9. Dumond Chemicals, Inc.1160N Peel Away 1 Heavy Duty Paint Remover

This heavy-duty paint-stripper comes with an entire kit of everything that one may need to complete any big job of removing water, oil, or even lead-based paint efficiently.

• A 1 1/4th gallon kit
• Removes up to 32 layers of paint!
• Safe to use on wood, masonry, and plaster
• Inflammable
• Low odor formula
• Environment friendly (VOC free)
• Biodegradable

Dumond’s Peel away paints remover kit includes a sodium hydroxide potent paint stripper, an application tool, laminated paper squares for effortless paint removal, and a neutralizer solution to restore the stripped surface to a neutral PH after the job.

This solvent is suitable for indoor and outdoor surfaces, thus making it a one-stop solution to all my paint-removing needs!

During the application, I made sure to follow the instructions, apply a super-thick coat (1/8th of an inch) and let it sit for the recommended time. This stuff removed more than 100 years of oil paint from our cast iron railing with minimum scraping required and no harm caused to the skin whatsoever.

However, this heavy-duty paint stripper is much more expensive than its counterparts available within the market.

Pros

• Heavy-duty paint stripper
• One 1/4^th gallon kit
• Removes up to 32 layers of paint!
• Safe to use on wood, masonry and plaster
• Inflammable
• Low odor formula
• Environment-friendly (VOC-free)
• Biodegradable
• suitable for both indoor and outdoor surfaces
• one-stop solution, as the kit contains literally everything one might need

Cons

• Expensive than other paint removers

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Buying guide for best Paint Remover

A paint stripper is your best bet if you want the paint removed from furniture, metal, walls, or stone in the simplest method possible. A paint stripper may also remove paint from other surfaces, such as metal.

There is a large selection of chemical paint remover products available today; however, not all of these products are made alike. The most effective paint remover can swiftly break down any old varnish or paint on the surface that you are treating, making it simple to wipe off or scrape them off.

You may now buy a paint remover made of solvents with a low acute toxicity level, in contrast to older paint removers, which frequently include hazardous substances such as methylene chloride. In an ideal world, the greatest paint remover would be based on water, odorless, non-caustic, and biodegradable, and it would also have to be paint-safe.

Even the most effective paint remover for walls or any other surface needs to be as non-toxic as possible, and one should still handle it with care. Always make sure there is adequate ventilation in the area where you are using paint removal chemicals, and always wear the appropriate protective gear.

After years of experience, I have formulated a buying guide for the best paint remover. If you have reached here, go through it, as it will maximize the value you get in buying your first paint remover.

Type

• Solvent,
• caustic,
• biochemical
• zero-VOC paint strippers

are the four primary categories. To pick the finest paint stripper for removing paints, epoxy, or polyurethane, you must grasp the variations between each type’s strengths and limitations.

The most effective kind of paint remover is a solvent. Strong chemicals used in their production weaken the link between the paint and the surface. These paint strippers work well to remove paint, epoxy, and polyurethane from metal, stone, and wood surfaces.

They could also contain substances like methylene chloride, which has a very high VOC concentration. But many of the solvents of today use alcohols in place of more harmful methylene chloride. Automotive Stripper super remover Metals has a high VOC concentration because it is targeted to unravel strong material. I used it to remove paint from my car when modifying it; it worked very well and served my need.

Caustic paint strippers interact chemically with the paint to transform it into a more soapy material, weakening the adhesion of the paint to the target surface. When removing paint from stone surfaces, use caustic paint strippers (such as when removing paint from brick). Remember that epoxy and polyurethane are incompatible with these paint removers.

Because they are created using a combination of plant-based solvents and an organic substance known as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, biochemical paint strippers are less abrasive than solvent and caustic strippers (NMP). Although these strippers are appropriate for water- and oil-based paints on stone, metal, and wood surfaces, they do not work on epoxy or polyurethane.

Biochemical paint strippers are nonetheless strong and can adversely affect your respiratory and reproductive systems while being milder than solvents and caustic paint strippers. When using any paint remover, be careful to use the proper safety gear.

Application

The various paint remover varieties have slightly different application techniques. However, all strippers must be applied with a washable brush and in a single direction with brief strokes. When dealing with wooden surfaces, be mindful of using the stripper against the wood grain.

Applying solvents should be done in a thin coating no thicker than 1/8-inch. After around 10 to 15 minutes, this stripper may be removed using a paint scraper. Use water to remove any residual stripper from the surface.

Caustic strippers must be applied with a coating between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick. Prior to removing the paint with a scraper, allow the stripper to remain on the surface for at least 30 minutes.

A thick coating of biochemical paint strippers should also be used, but they need to sit on the surface for a couple of hoursbefore the paint can be scraped off with a scraper.

Low-VOC paint removers must be used in layers ranging from 1/8″ to 1/4″ and may be washed off with water. Before attempting to scrape the paint off, let the paint remover sit for three to 24 hours.

Why is application important to know before buying? If you are in a hurry, you must choose wisely since each type of substance takes its own time. When I used the Citristrip QCSG801 paint and varnish stripping gel, I realized I needed the product to be continuously wet so I could apply it carefully. All the other products, compared to this, dried up pretty fast, resulting in less flexibility to work with.

These are the kind of problems you will only know if you buy and use them. But That is exactly why I am here.

Safety features

When using paint strippers, your primary concern should be for your safety and the protection of any surrounding persons or animals. When working with paint thinners, ensure the location is well-ventilated and that you wear eye and lung protection. Additionally, fence off the area to stop children or animals from handling it or inhaling the paint remover fumes. Although all of the products I used, like Dumond Chemicals, Inc. 3332 smart strip advanced paint remover, Citristrip QCSG801 paint and varnish stripping gel, etc., were all free from toxic fumes, safe for skin and odorless but are highly recommended to confirm for such features before buying.

Consider purchasing a biochemical or low-VOC paint remover if you want to operate indoors since they won’t be as dangerous as a caustic or solvent stripper. Just keep in mind that all paint strippers have the potential to be hazardous, so whenever you are working with them, you must put on a long-sleeved shirt, a long-pants, chemical-resistant gloves, a respirator, and safety glasses.

FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)

Should you sand the surface before removing the paint?

Sanding is virtually never preferable to stripping under any circumstance. To begin, stripping paint with a paint stripper is much less labor-intensive than sanding, except for situations where the old finish is peeling off in large chunks.

Following stripping, is it necessary to neutralize the wood?

Paint strippers include chemicals that can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, in addition to the nose and throat. Because of this, it is imperative that they be adequately neutralized. The best part is that the vast majority of stripping solutions will provide specific instructions and guidance for removing any surplus.

How long do I have to wait before I can paint after stripping?

After the item has been cleaned and stripped, you should wait 24 hours before applying any stain, sealer, or finish. This will ensure that the surface is clean and clear of any residue, as well as enable any odors that may be present to evaporate.

How can one make the process of paint removal easier?

Vinegar. Paint won’t be entirely removed by doing this, but it will help soften it so that it can be scraped off more easily. First, bring the vinegar to a boil on the stove or microwave. Then, using a brush, apply the vinegar to the surface. After a few minutes, scrape the paint off.

Is it possible to leave the paint stripper on overnight?

Because more recent paint strippers do not react as quickly as older Nitromors (also known as dichloromethane, better known as methylene chloride, which was made illegal for use in 2016), we recommend you let it work overnight. This will prevent the stripper from evaporating and give it the time it needs to penetrate and break down the paint.

Which of these two approaches to removing paint is the more prevalent?

Chemical and mechanical stripping are the two primary types of stripping procedures. Chemical stripping refers to applying a chemical to the paint’s surface to remove it.

This chemical ends up getting into the paint as well as the primer, which leads to swelling. This swelling will typically result in the paint coming loose from the surface it was applied on.

What kinds of approaches to paint removal are not allowed?

Burning with an open flame or with a torch. Sanding or grinding with a machine that does not have a local exhaust control that uses high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)—sandblasting carried out in the absence of HEPA-compliant local exhaust control.

Heat guns that run at temperatures higher than 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, or those that operate at temperatures high enough to scorch the paint, are not recommended.

Summing up:

Finding an efficient paint remover is essential, but you cannot consider it in isolation. You have to find the right paint for the wood deck, learn to use an airless paint sprayer, its working and cleaning it, so you can finally reach the stage of paint removal.

Painting is a holistic process and you’ll have to keep it in mind before making choice about a particular brand for paint removal.