If you are looking for the perfect paint stripper to minimize your workload, this post is for you. The work required to be done before painting is more challenging than the actual painting. Different kinds of surfaces require different preparation. In any case, it is a tedious task. There are times when you will require the old paint to be removed before you can apply the fresh layer.
Hence you must have the Best Paint stripper in hand to get the job done as easily as possible. The paint strippers are of great help when it comes to removing old paint. Without it, the task of paint removal is very time-consuming and difficult, and I would say it is impossible in some cases. The paint strippers are high in chemicals to dissolve the old paint and clear the surface, hence they must be handled with great care. Selecting the paint stripper that has just the appropriate amount of chemicals with all required essential features can be difficult. Hence, I have prepared this list of the best paint strippers that have all tested products to make this task easy for you.
Specifications: Brand: MAX strip, Model Number: ESA-522, Size: half gallon, Scent: Unscented, Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 x 11 inches, Coverage: 30 square feet per 22 Oz
Works perfectly on multiple types of paints like dried latex and oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, polyurethane, and shellac.
No methylene chloride or NMP
No harsh fumes
This paint stripper by Citristrip is not only my first recommendation when it comes to the best paint strippers. The reason behind selecting Citristrip QCSG801 to be included in this list is the diverse features of this paint stripper. It easily dissolves and strips the many types of paints, including latex, epoxy, acrylic, as well as shellac, varnish, and polyurethane. This paint stripper has a beautiful and soothing citrus smell, unlike other products of this line that comes with an odor that can even result in headache. Citristrip QCSG801 contains a very small amount of toxic chemicals, and most of them are not even present. Even then, it effectively removes the paint due to a special mixture and ingredients. Just give this paint strip time, like some hours to work on the surface until the paint starts to bubble and eventually gets stripped. Moreover, this paint strip remains wet for more than 24 hours, helping to easily remove multiple layers of paint. It is extremely environmentally friendly; hence you also do not have any health hazards that you need to worry about. Just make sure to be following some basic safety precautions while handling this paint stripper.
High speed is one of the top-rated companies for producing paint strippers. It was founded in 1893, and due to its quality, many people have built trust in it. This paint stripper is specially made for stripping paint off the wood. It can help to remove many layers of paint without much work. It works efficiently and shows the best results in only one use in most cases. The best feature of this paint stripper is that it works super quickly, unlike other paint strippers that take hours to work. It only takes 2 minutes to remove all layers of paint. So Hi-Speed 65664 is recommended for especially those who are looking for quick working paint stripping chemicals. It contains no methylene chloride and caustic. This results in making the solution odorless and non-flammable. Not only this, but this product is also environmentally friendly. Although it is specially made for wood, it also works perfectly on plaster, concrete, metal, stone, brick, veneers, marble, and masonry. Moreover, this paint stripper stays wet for a longer time, which gives time for more thorough removal of paint. The coverage is about 25 square feet per gallon. Besides all the features mentioned above, this paint stripper is extremely easy to use.
Pros:
Works fastly
Citrus fragrance
Stays wet for a long time
Works perfectly on most of the surfaces
Cons:
Spraying might not be suitable as this paint stripper is thick
Does not work for automotive and factory-finished paints
No harmful fumes
Odorless
Cleans up with just water
This max paint stripper is famous for its high quality. It works perfectly to remove all messes, spills, chemicals, hot tire marks, grime, grease, graffiti, stickers, and glues. This product also comes in very easy-to-handle packing, making it even more favorable for this list of best paint strippers. Other than this, if you are a DIY worker, you will love this product because of its easy application and requirement of minimal preparation. Max Strip not only helps to remove old paint from concrete but also glass, fiberglass, laminate, metal, carpet, stone, wood, porcelain, flooring, brick, granite, countertops, ceramic, furniture, windows tile, marble, granite, clothing, rugs, among others. That is why we sometimes call this paint stripper Max an all-purpose stripper. You must note here that this product does not specialize in cleaning automotive and factory-finished paints. Moreover, this paint stripper is very safe to use anywhere. It does not discharge any harmful fumes because of its non-toxic composition. As mentioned in the packet, it contains no caustic and has a very low amount of volatile organic compounds. One important thing is you do not have to wait for hours for it to start working as it just takes little time. The cleaning process of this paint stripper by Max is also very easy and can be removed by using water only.
Pros:
Easy application
Works quickly
Easy cleaning process
Do not emit harmful fumes
Cons:
Does not work for automotive and factory-finished paints
This product by Dumond smart strip is one of my favorite paint strippers. This paint is an all-rounder that works for literally anything. You won’t believe me, this paint stripper is qualified to remove up to 15 layers of paints on any surface and even more layers in some cases. This smart paint stripper works perfectly on almost all surfaces, including Wood, Brick, Metal, Concrete, Stone, Plaster, Fiberglass, Masonry, Porcelain, Bathtubs, Moldings, Tile, Glass, Decking, and Cinder Blocks. Moreover, this paint stripper is very safe to be used, as it contains no harmful chemicals. It is a water-based formula that makes it almost 100% biodegradable. Additionally, it has no harmful odor because of environment-friendly making. This paint stripper is also recommended by many paint professionals as it has no traces of caustics such as methylene chloride and NMP. Moreover, the Dimond paint stripper is also very easy to use when it comes to application. That is why it is a favorite pick for most of the DIY lovers. Just apply this paint stripper on the surface and let it do its work. This paint stripper works effectively, and in a few hours, it gets the floor ready to be rinsed. So if you really want a paint stripper that is all in one, then this is the best option for you.
Pros:
No odor
Easy application
No harmful impacts
Environment-friendly
Cons:
Can take up to 24 hours in some cases to work perfectly
Requires only 30 minutes to start working and about 24 hours to complete the action
No caustic soda is used
0% Volatile Organic Compounds
Can remove up to 15 layers of paint. Apply a thick layer to remove more than 4 layers.
Works perfectly on almost all types of surfaces
No harmful smells and fume-free solution
Effective inside and outside also
Easy application without creating a mess
Sunnyside has had a very trustable reputation in the market over the years. This product has the multi-strip advanced technology utilized to take off layers of old paints. That is why sometimes it is referred to as multi-strip advanced paint. It is made from a heavy-duty formula which makes the quality of this product far more better than ordinary paint strippers. Moreover, this professional paint is safer to use because of the absence of all toxic elements like caustics and Volatile organic compounds. Due to this reason, it also offers a no odor formula hence you do not need an extra room air filter while working with this paint stripper. Kind of shocking, but this paint stripper is capable of removing up to 15 layers of paint as well as varnish, stain, lacquer, and urethane. Just keep in mind, you will have to apply a little thick layer in order to remove multiple layers. Additionally, Sunnyside 65732A starts working in about 30 minutes and takes some hours to show the results. It can be used on the interior as well as exterior surfaces. This paint stripper remains wet for a few hours for proper working. Other than that, the application process is also very easy and includes no difficult steps.
Can remove all types of paints, varnishes, and finishes
Environment friendly
No methylene chloride
No traces of Volatile Organic compounds
No odor
If you do not want to waste your whole day in paint stripping, then this is the best paint stripper for you. Most paint strippers require literally about 24 hours to strip the paint efficiently. However, this paint stripper by 2-minute remover works in mere minutes, saving a large portion of your day. It can strip of several layers in much less time. However, if you apply this paint stripper on a complex painted surface, it might take some more time to work. Moreover, this paint stripper by 2-minute remover is diverse and can be used on almost any surface like starting from wood to metal or concrete. Not only this, but it can dissolve and help in stripping all kinds of paint, e.g., latex, acrylic, and water-based paints, as well as varnishes and finishes. You must note here that the surface might require more than 1 layer of this paint stripper in some cases, but do not worry, mostly it gets the job done in a single layer. Additionally, this paint stripper is environmentally friendly. It is biodegradable with no traces of Methylene Chloride. Other than that, it is also free of volatile organic compounds. That means there is no odor and harmful fumes emission while applying this paint stripper. Now talking about the coverage, this paint stripper has shown amazing results here too. It covers 25 square feet, which is amazing.
No traces of toxic chemicals like methylene chloride and NMP
No caustic soda
No volatile organic compounds
Cleans up with just water
No unpleasant and pungent odor
No harmful fumes
Now it is time to include the pocket-friendly option for you. If you are looking for a paint stripper that is not so harsh for your bank account, then this is the best paint stripper for you. Other than that, it comes in extremely easy-to-use packaging that does not drip everywhere unnecessarily. Although this paint is budget-friendly, it still works efficiently on almost all types of surfaces. The MAX strip paint is made of incredible technology that makes it less toxic as compared to other paint strippers. For instance, this paint stripper lacks methyl chloride and NMP. Not only this, but there is no use of caustic soda in the manufacturing of this paint stripper. Hence, there is no pungent odor and of course, no harmful fumes because of the absence of volatile organic compounds. Another notable feature is its easy cleaning process with just water and no need for something extra. Moreover, this product works very fast. It can take off several layers of paint, varnish, or finish in a few minutes. This is incredible because even high-end paint strippers sometimes fail to work quickly. This ESA-500 has amazing quality, and believe me if you are looking for a budget-friendly and quality-wise good product, then go for this paint stripper.
A Complete Buying Guide For Buying The Best Paint Stripper
Finding the right paint stripper is not as easy as it sounds. Paint stripping is rather a complex product that requires a lot of thought before you go and buy it. You need to look after multiple factors before buying any paint stripper. I understand your confusion because of the thousands of products in the online market. But you do not need to worry now. As I have made this buying guide for you that specifically has the purpose of guiding you on what to buy and what not to buy. So hold your seat belts tight while we dive into the buying guide of the Best Paint stripper.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) And Other Chemicals:
Before selecting any paint stripper, you must look at the number of VOCs it contains. Just like varnishes, paints, and finishes, strippers can also have a high content of chemicals that produces VOCs. VOCs are very harmful not only to your throat but also to your eyes and lungs. It emits harmful gases that make the presence of a respirator and proper ventilation necessary. Hence, you must choose a paint stripper with low chemicals like methylene chloride and NMP that produce VOCs.
Types Of Paint Strippers:
There is 4 different kind of paint strippers available. They all have different properties and specifications. Hence you must choose before you buy any of them.
Solvent: These kinds of paint strippers have high contents of chemicals. It usually relies on chemicals and VOCs to break the bond between paint and surface and strip it. They work efficiently and are the most diverse kind of paint stripper. But high content of VOCs makes it more toxic and hazardous for health. Hence not preferable.
Caustic Soda: The main ingredient of this type of paint stripper is sodium hydroxide. When applied, it makes a soapy mixture on the surface, which loosens the bond between the surface and the paint. Due to the presence of sodium compound, it has a high PH, which needs to be toned down before application. It can be done by rinsing the surface with vinegar and water.
Biochemicals: Solvent and caustic soda types have high contents of chemicals. Unlike them, biochemicals are more environmentally friendly. It is made by the combination of plant-based solvents and NMPs. Although NMP is still a potential threat to skin irritation but still this type of paint stripper has much fewer chemicals than the other two.
Zero VOC: These products may be a little heavy on your pocket because of their natural composition. It has zero contents of VOCs, NMPs, and other chemicals that can provide harm to your body. Hence if you want an environmental-friendly solution to your problem, this will be your best option.
Surface Material On Which You Want To Use The Stripper:
Believe me, most of people do not even consider this point while buying the paint stripper. Different kinds of paint strippers are made for different kinds of surfaces. For example, one paint stripper is not made to be used on wood. So if you use it on a wood surface to strip paint. It will not only ruin the wood’s beauty but also makes it hollow from the inside, which results in making it useless for the future.
For your guidance, I have come up with this list, which shows which type of stripper is suitable for which type of surface.
Solvent: Solvent is best for wood, masonry, and metal surfaces.
Caustic: Best paint stripper type for concrete and bricked surface.
Biochemical: Its works perfectly not only on masonry but also metal and wood.
Zero VOCs: It works on almost all surfaces, including masonry, wood, and metal
Method Of Application:
If you are a DIY lover, you must know the application process in advance. Some paint strippers have very complex manual instructions. So you do not need to buy them. Go for a paint stripper that is easy to handle and use. Method of application also includes the information about which paint stripper requires how many layers to strip a particular number of layers of paint, varnish, or finish.
Budget:
Ignoring this step might cause a big problem for you. We think if we are investing big, that means the product is going to be perfect. But believe me, this is just a myth that we want to believe in. Decide your budget at the start and keep it in mind while selecting any paint stripper. The best paint stripper is not necessarily expensive. Go through the above list to find the perfect option for yourself without crossing your budget.
Safety Precautions – How To Handle A Paint Stripper?
Other than knowing what product to buy, it is necessary to know how to handle the product you bought. Paints, varnishes, finishes, and paint strippers, these all products are too dangerous and harmful if not used and handled properly. Hence you must know some basic precautionary measures before doing any DIY project.
Wear A Mask:
Wearing a mask while stripping paints is a must. Even when the paint stripper says that it contains no VOCs on its packaging. Even then, it still has some chemicals that can emit harmful fumes, which in return causes respiratory diseases and lungs issues. So it is better to be on the safe side. Hence keep a mask with yourself whenever dealing with paint strippers.
Do Not Let The Paint Stripper Touch Your Skin:
Most of people ignore this precaution. Paint strippers have so many chemicals in them that can develop irritation and redness if they come in direct touch with your skin. It can also cause harmful skin lifetime diseases. Hence make sure to wear gloves of any overall before dealing with paint strippers.
Stay Away From Fire:
Paint strippers are potential fire catchers. Most of them are extremely flammable. One way to get away with this precaution is to buy an inflammable paint stripper, but it is difficult to find such a product. Hence it is better to follow precautions than face the results.
Frequently Asked Questions:
No, paint strippers usually do not come with an expiration date. This is the reason why it is advised to keep it sealed so as to stop any contamination ruining it.
The paint stripper has high contents of chemicals to dissolve the bond between the paint and the surface. Hence it is advised to not throw it in your dustbin but properly dispose it off in a chemical facility.
No, usually painting strippers does not destroy clothes. Even some paint strippers are used to strip paint from the clothes.
Our Verdict:
As an ending note, I want to say paint stripping is not as easy as it may seem, and selecting the best paint stripper is the most difficult task. This is the reason I have come up with this list of the 7 best paint strippers that will do work as assigned and make work easy for you. Other than that, I have also written a buying guide for you so that you can see which paint stripper would be best for you.
