It is always tempting to think you can just “paint over” existing layers of lacquer or paint. For some projects, a little light sanding and another coat of paint may work. However, when you really have to cut through dozens of layers of paint or remove a layer of chipped, cracked, or blistered lacquer, you want the best paint stripper for your specific project.
That is where knowing exactly what types of paint stripper are available and what will make a project the best paint stripper for your specific needs comes into play. Truly effective handymen and women get beautiful, consistent results by understanding the materials they are working with, the paints and other coatings that may have been applied, and the best paint stripper for the job.
Best Paint Stripper FAQ
Image by Jarrett Tilford from Pixabay
To really make a good prediction about what will be the best paint stripper for your specific job, take a few minutes to make certain you understand the basics of the paint stripping process. We have itemized a few paint stripper frequently asked questions here.
What Is Paint Stripper?
What Makes a Paint Stripper the Best Paint Stripper?
Do All Paint Strippers Remove All Surface Treatments?
Will I Damage the Underlying Material If I Use Paint Stripper?
What Safety Precautions Should I Take with Paint Stripper?
How We Reviewed the Best Paint Stripper Products on the Market
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The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters:
The best paint stripper products are easily accessible, easy to use, affordable, and work with the projects, finishes, and materials for which they were designed. We evaluated all of the products in the list with an eye toward what might make a product the best paint stripper for the job in a unique circumstance as well as for a more general handyman or woman’s needs.
Overall Price Range
Paint stripper products range from $5 to about $180, depending on the level of specialty the product delivers, how quickly it works, and whether it can be used in an area that is not particularly well-ventilated. Lead paint stripping products are much more expensive than “conventional” paint removal systems. This is due, in part, to these products including kits to test for lead paint.
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
The application process also plays a role in cost, since many products may be purchased in forms that require hand application of the paint stripper or that permit spraying or spreading, which may be easier and more attractive to the consumer but also require additional, specialized packaging.
What We Reviewed
- Removes 15+ Layers of Paint/Coatings - Works on Wood, Brick, Metal, Concrete, Stone, Plaster, Fiberglass, Masonry, Porcelain, Bathtubs, Moldings, Tile, Glass, Decking, and Cinder Blocks.
- Safe Water-Based Formula – 100% biodegradable. No Harmful Smells. Fume Free. No dangerous chemicals or caustics, such as Methylene Chloride or NMP. Trusted by Painting Professionals.
- Works Best on Post 1980 Paints – Professional Strength - Effective inside and out. Simply apply, let set, and rinse off. No neutralization required. No fuss, no muss. Leaves no mess.
- Made in the USA - Advanced non-toxic formula emulsifies paints and coatings. Used on landmarks, museums, historic buildings, opera houses, and homes worldwide.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed - Ideal for Painting Contractors and DYI Homeowners. Do it yourself, with Dumond.
Features
This product focuses on safety and ease of use, boasting a “no gloves required” promise and “excellent vertical cling” for removing paint from walls as well as items of furniture. The Dumond Chemicals Smart Strip is non-toxic, biodegradable, and can be washed down the drain and used indoors with perfect peace of mind.
- STRONG: The strongest paint remover available without methylene chloride, NMP, or any other highly toxic chemicals.
- SAFER: This revolutionary, patent pending, new stripper works similar to products containing methylene chloride, but uses only safer ingredients. Safe for wood, metal and concrete. Brings a natural finish to your furniture. Gentle on antiques. Water cleanable.
- FAST: Ultra fast action. Works in 15 minutes for most stripping projects. Removes multiple layers in one application (up to 5 layers).
- VERSATILE: Removes oil paints, latex paints, varnishes, epoxies, shellacs, lacquers and polyurethanes. As effective as an industrial stripper, and is ideal for heavy-duty projects, finishing work, or any other stripping job.
- EXPERTISE: Super Remover has been manufacturing high quality paint stripping products for over 40 years.
Features
This powerful paint stripper will likely be among the best paint stripper options if you are looking to remove varnish, lacquer, shellac, epoxy, latex, urethane, other synthetic coatings, or just plain old paint. It can also be used on wood, metal, concrete, or masonry and is applied in a “semi-paste” that clings to vertical surfaces.
- CITRISTRIP Safer Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel is easy to use.
- Stays wet and active for up to 24 hours allowing stripping of multiple layers in one step.
- Removes dried latex and oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, polyurethane and shellac.
- Strips multiple layers from wood, metal and masonry surfaces.
- No methylene chloride or NMP.
Features
Citri-Strip’s paint and varnish come in an aerosol container for easy delivery. The product is biodegradable and non-caustic. The product will remove up to seven layers of latex paint in just one application and will usually remove more than one layer of oil-based coatings in one application. It can be used on wood, metal, and masonry.
- Country of Origin:United States
- Package length:8.89"
- Package width:9.65"
- Package height:15.24"
Features
If you like the predictability of sanding for paint removal but are not quite so fond of the elbow grease involved in the process, then Klean-Strip’s “liquid sander” product may be right for you. It is designed to replace the sanding process, so you can use it not only to take off sealants from cabinets, for example, but also to remove grimy build-up. This product is also popular for furniture projects where the piece has a lot of nooks and crannies that might be difficult or impossible to sand by hand.
- THE COMPLETE HEAVY DUTY PAINT REMOVAL SYSTEM - Contains 5 Gallons of Peel Away 1 Paint Remover, 11 sheets of Dumond Laminated Paper, Citri-Lize Neutralizer (16oz), and a pH test kit under the lid.
- OLDER THE COATING THE BETTER - Penetrates all the way to the bottom layer of oil, alkyd, or lead-based coatings to remove all the coatings above. Can usually remove up to 30 layers of paint at once!
- EFFECTIVE ON MOST SURFACES - Works on wood, brick, stone, marble, terra cotta, granite, terrazzo, concrete, stucco, plaster, glass, cast iron, steel, tin, copper, tile, enamel, clapboard, and slate.
- THE PROFESSIONAL REMOVAL SOLUTION - Peel Away 1 is designed specifically for professionals working in commercial & industrial settings. Proper safety precautions are necessary to use this product.
- MADE IN THE USA - Manufactured in our US facility with high-quality, globally sourced ingredients. Trusted by industry professionals around the world for over 40 years.
Features
This product is designed to be environmentally safe and assist in lead abatement and lead encapsulation while removing paint and other finishes. The product comes not only with the paint remover itself, which can remove as many as 30 layers of oil-based lead paints in a single application, but also a neutralizer, pH test kit, peel-away paper to help keep the lead particles contained, and simple instructions. The product is non-flammable and does not release harmful odors or toxic fumes. It can also be used on carved and molded surfaces.
Remember if you are dealing with a product that was finished, at any point in time, prior to 1978, then you may have an issue with lead paint at some point during the restoration or paint-stripping process. It is very important you follow all safety regulations for working with lead paint and test regularly to ascertain if higher, harmless layers are being peeled away to reveal more problematic finishes that might contain lead. If you have the slightest suspicion you are working with a lead-based finish, you must test responsibly and repeatedly in order to make sure you are protecting yourself and the others around you.
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Features
This product is based on soybeans and other natural elements, which makes it 100% biodegradable. SoyGel has no known health hazards. The company boasts you can “put the respirator away,” although they still recommend wearing old clothes to do your project. This paint stripper has a gel formula, can remove multiple layers of paint in one treatment, and is made with 100% American-Grown Soybeans. The product is designed for use on paints, urethanes, enamels, sealers, and some epoxy products.
- Capable of removing up to 3 layers of oil or water based coating
- No-drip formula makes removing paint convenient and easy
- Clings to vertical surfaces; stays wet longer
- Starts to work in about 30 minutes
- Easily cleaned up with water
Features
If you have been wanting to remove 15 layers of paint, varnish, stain, lacquer, or urethane product, then Sunnyside may be your answer. A light coat will remove between one and four layers, while a heavier coat frees up many more for you to finish off with a stripping tool The company estimates you will be able to cover between 60 and 100 square feet with each gallon.
- EZ Strip is the professional strength safe alternative for stripping paint and varnish
- Gentile on most substrates including antique woods (may etch some plastics)
- No harsh fumes with a pleasant fragrance
- Safe for all year round indoor use with no special ventilation required
- Skin safe formula for easy home and professional use
Features
This product will remove paint or varnish, is non-flammable, and comes with a chemical-resistant sprayer for each container. The product has a very low odor, stays wet for a prolonged period of time, and may be applied in such a away as to create an unbroken film across the surface in question.
- Safer paint and varnish remover; formulated with no methylene chloride or NMP
- Removes paints, varnishes, stains, lacquers & urethanes
- Begins working in 60 minutes
- Removes up to 7 layers of coatings
Features
This is a non-flammable paint remover for extra-tough jobs. The formula is designed to cling to vertical, curved, and rounded surfaces while it penetrates everything from enamel to marine finishes and epoxies. This product can be removed using water to wash it off the surface, but it should be used in outdoor and well-ventilated areas.
- Manicurist Solvent Pure Acetone Nail Polish Remover is a professional salon formula for removal of sculptured nails (gel) and acrylic nail tips
- Removes tips, wraps and sculptured nails quickly and gently
- Allows base coat to adhere better
Features
This powerful solvent is designed to remove paint, polish, wax, and even glue adhesives. The product has a specially designed tank that is insulated. This is the same type of product used to remove nail polish and clean laboratory equipment, but it is a powerful solvent. The acetone is colorless, flammable, and comes in a protective container designed to keep the contents separate from the outside world until you are ready to use them to remove some tough finish.
- Wipe on cleaner and de-glosser
- No need to rinse off before applying paint
- Helps new paint bond to old finishes
- Do not use on freshly finished surfaces, rubber or asphalt tile, synthetics, plastic, fiberglass or other solvent-sensitive surfaces
- 2- Pack Quart Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser
Features
This product is intended to remove latex and oil-based products, both paint and varnish, from wood, metal, and masonry. It works fast, garnering results in about 30 minutes and, in some cases, less. Klean-Strip may be used to remove pigmented wood stains to restore natural color and comes in a thick paste formula that clings to vertical surfaces without dripping off.
The Verdict on the Best Paint Stripper Products Available
As we mentioned at the outset, the best paint stripper for one person or project will not necessarily be the best paint stripper for another person or project. All of these products stood out in unique ways that make them particularly suited for certain individuals and certain project goals.
Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay
However, a few products really rose above the rest for a variety of reasons. For example, the EZ Strip Paint and Varnish Stripper were highly flexible, offering more paint removal options than nearly any other product. On the other hand, the Savogran Super Strip paint remover is the ideal fit if you have serious epoxies to remove or you have a tough marine finish clinging to a surface. For delicate and intricate items that you would like to sand but simply cannot, the Sansher Corp. Easy Spray Paint and Varnish Remover may serve you the best.
Of course, if you are dealing with a project that may have a finish containing lead particles, you must use a paint remover product that will suit you and the air around you, not to mention all the other people living in that air! Dumond Chemicals’ lead paint removal kits are ideal in this instance. On the other hand, if 100% natural products are your priority, then SoyGel’s paint remover may be the best paint stripper for you regardless of any other factors.
Last update on 2023-06-09 at 14:46 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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