10 Best Paint Removers & Strippers In 2022

Your best option is frequently to remove the paint using a chemical paint stripper because scraping and sanding old paint is ineffective and can harm the underlying surface. A paint stripper is the only option if you’re looking for the simplest way to remove paint, whether it’s from masonry, metal, wooden furniture, or walls.

On the market, there are many chemical paint stripper products, but not all of them are equal. We have some of the 10 best paint removers of 2022 here to help you get rid of stubborn stains. So let’s begin!

How To Use Paint Removers?

Depending on the kind you’re using, you should apply the paint stripper in a specific way. One-eighth-inch-thick layers of solvent strippers can be used. They remain there for around 15 minutes before being taken off. Use a thicker quarter-inch layer for caustic strippers. Before scraping off the paint with a tool and neutralizing the paint stripper with water or vinegar, let the layer sit for at least 30 minutes.

Also used thickly should be biochemical paint strippers. They should stay there for a longer period of time, usually two to four hours. The last option is to use non-toxic strippers, which can be applied in a layer between 1/8″ and 1/4″. Depending on how much is used and the surface being stripped, they should be left for three to 24 hours.

How Should I Handle Paint Removers?

The right procedures must be followed when handling such a product in addition to the purchase. Here are some warnings that should be taken into account.

Avoid Skin Contact

Despite the fact that skin-to-skin contact is improper, people continue to make this simple but dangerous error. When using a paint remover, be certain that you are completely protected. Direct contact with a concentrated paint remover can result in dermatitis by peeling off your skin and removing its natural oils, especially if you have sensitive skin or other skin conditions.

You will experience mild to severe rashes along with itchy, irritated skin in this condition. Your skin may become dry, cracked, and discolored in the event of prolonged contact.

Stay Away From Fire

Keep away from fire when using a paint remover. This safety precaution must be emphasized repeatedly until it is fully understood. Get a non-flammable paint remover, for starters. However, we still advise you to avoid using a paint remover or stripper near a fire. To prevent any serious accidents, do this. Before beginning work, move your belongings to a secure location.

Always Wear A Mask

Make sure you have a mask on before using a paint remover. Airway irritation and breathing problems could be brought on by some dangerous chemicals in the stripper. Among those who use it without a mask, coughing is a frequent complaint. We advise against using paint removers if you have respiratory problems, or at the very least, wear a mask.

Best Paint Removers & Strippers

Best Overall: Citri-Strip Paint And Varnish Stripping Gel

Paint and Varnish Stripping Gel from Citri-Strip, which is at the top, demonstrates that you don’t need a paint stripper with harsh chemicals to complete the task. The product’s ability to stay wet and active for 24 hours sets it apart from rivals, even though most reviewers find the non-offensive citrus scent to be pleasant.

With just one application, you can remove multiple coats of latex and oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer, shellac, and other coatings from wood, metal, and masonry surfaces. A lot of users start to see results in as little as 30 minutes.

Citri-Strip won’t harm the surface beneath the paint layers because it is non-corrosive and biodegradable, both of which are major environmental benefits. It costs less than $13 for a quart and is available in an easy-to-apply gel form.

Best Eco-Friendly: Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover

While our first choice was environmentally friendly in a number of ways, Dumond’s Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover goes even further. It is completely biodegradable, water-based, has no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is formulated without caustic or harsh chemicals, and has no odor.

While some customers might worry that it isn’t as effective as other paint remover products on the market, this is untrue. Smart Strip removes up to 15 coats of “virtually any coating from any surface” including the dreaded lead-based paint.

Customers laud its odorless efficiency, but many acknowledge that it is a more expensive paint stripper for walls, wood, furniture, etc. than others, and is perhaps best for stripping smaller surfaces.

Fastest Working: Sunnyside 2-minute Advanced Paint Remover

The Sunnyside 2-Minute Advanced Paint Remover can strip up to 25 square feet per gallon and is designed to remove multiple layers of finish in a single application. This product will strip the wood of oil-based finishes like latex, varnish, and acrylic in just two minutes, making it the fastest and best paint remover for wood.

These products are less messy and easier to use, according to reviews of this one. Additionally, its new, safer formulation is free of methylene chloride. Remember that some layers, like polyurethane, epoxy, and floor finishes, can take up to five minutes to wear down. However, you can’t go wrong if you adhere to the product’s instructions.

Best Family Friendly: MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper

The MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper has earned our endorsement as one of the best paint strippers and one you can feel good about using around your family because it has a skin-safe formula for simple home and professional use, no toxic chemicals like methylene chloride or N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and no harsh fumes. The paint remover is said to be safe to use indoors without special ventilation because of its pleasant (and non-toxic) fragrance. However, it can’t hurt to be cautious as with all paint-stripping products.

Customers laud how stress-free it is to work with this potent, no-drip gel formula because it cleans up easily with water. The manufacturer cautions users to exercise caution when working with plastic surfaces due to the possibility of etching. MAX gently removes paint, latex, polyurethane, shellac, varnish, and more.

Best Heavy Duty: Dumond Peel Away 1 Heavy-duty Paint Remover

Dumond’s Peel Away Paint Remover is the answer if you have a large project that calls for a powerful paint stripper that can remove up to 32 layers of oil- or water-based paint from various surfaces, including lead-based paint. A complete solution for challenging paint removal tasks is provided by this kit, which comes with a paste remover, application tool, laminated paper, and neutralizer.

Dumond is heavy-duty, but it’s also biodegradable, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and non-flammable, and it has no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Plus, it doesn’t contain methylene chloride, which solidifies its place on our list of the top paint removers.

Customers claim that results for smaller spaces can be seen almost immediately, but it’s important to follow the directions because this product isn’t advised for many types of coatings.

Best All-in-one: MAX Strip Paint Remover

After you purchase this product, it won’t matter if your child is painting portraits on the walls. The universal paint remover from Max Strip is exactly what you need and is a true lifesaver. On all kinds of surfaces, this gel spray with immediate action is effective. It works well on materials like brick, tile, granite, marble, concrete, carpet, rugs, upholstery, laminate, fire glass, furniture, windows, metals, tools, and even countertops.

This all-in-one cleaner can remove tough paint spills and is multipurpose. The offensive smell of these types of sprays is among the frequent complaints that most people have about them. Well, thanks to the non-caustic volatile formula used to create this spray, which ensures no irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat, that is no longer the case. Unquestionably a must-have item!

Best Easy To Use: Sunnyside Ready-strip Paint Remover

Users of liquid paint removers frequently express the complaint that they are too messy to use and produce meager results. Because it has a no-drip formula that causes it to adhere to surfaces immediately after application, this liquid paint remover is very simple to use. Oil paint can be easily removed from masonry, wood, brick, stone, and concrete surfaces.

In addition to stains, this paint remover makes it simple to remove latex and varnish. Make sure not to use this product on linoleum, rubber, sheetrock, or plastic, though, as there is a catch. The results will be visible after 30 minutes if you simply spray it on the area that needs to be painted. Grab your weapon, begin to scrap, and you’re done! Using this liquid paint remover, you can easily remove three or more layers of oil or water paint.

Best Value: Motsenbocker’s Liftoff Latex Paint Remover

You might not need a sizable supply of paint remover if your project is small. The ideal solution is Motsenbocker’s Latex Paint Remover. It works wonders on a variety of surfaces, including walls, trim, molding, floors, wood, vinyl, tile, laminate, metal, brick, concrete, and automobiles. It also works well on old and new latex paint and latex enamel. It isn’t very expensive despite being very versatile. Furthermore, the application is made simple by the spray bottle, even on objects with unusual shapes or into crevices or angles.

According to the manufacturer, even though this product contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the amount is only about half of the legal limit. This particular brand does an excellent job of removing paint without harming the surface underneath.

Best For Masonry: Klean-strip Premium Stripper

You can remove paint, epoxy, or polyurethane easily from metal surfaces by brushing Klean-Strip on them. This product is excellent for metal, but it also works on masonry and wood without removing the wood grain or harming the surface. Multiple layers of paint or other products can be removed after just 15 minutes, but in some circumstances, you may need to leave the product on the surface for longer. You might need to apply the paint in several rounds if it is particularly thick or old.

There won’t be any drips because the product is a thick paste that adheres well even to vertical surfaces. It is not suitable for use inside and does have a strong odor. Keep the product away from any source of intense heat or flame because it is highly flammable.

Best For Latex Paint: Krud Kutter Latex Paint Remover

Homes’ interiors are frequently painted with latex paint. A spray bottle of Krud Kutter can be useful if the paint has spilled from the walls onto the floor or if you need to remove multiple layers.

The paint can be removed from carpets just as easily as it can from harder surfaces like brick and tile with the help of this multipurpose spray, which can be used on porous, soft, and hard surfaces alike. Both fresh and dried paint can be successfully removed using the product.

The Krud Kutter spray bottle makes it simple to use; simply spray on the paint, let it sit for a while, and then wipe it off. You can then wash the area with soap and water to finish. Both indoors and outdoors, this paint remover is useful. You’ll discover that Krud Kutter is both simple to use and efficient. The product has an odor, but the manufacturer also claims that it is biodegradable and low in volatile organic compounds.

What Are The Common Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Paint Removers?

The following is a list of common errors that buyers frequently make when looking for paint removers.

Over-priced But Worthless

Most people make this error unknowingly, which makes it the most prevalent. Purchasing a cost-effective paint remover as opposed to one that is expensive but ineffective makes a significant difference. Costs for paint stripper sprays or gels range from $9 to $11 or $12, at most. Never buy a paint remover from a company that is offering it for a price that is higher than the going rate. Do not be misled by the attractive advertisement.

Fakes

Buying fakes is another common error that needs to be avoided. There have been numerous instances where manufacturers sell paint removers branded as their own but coming from unidentified companies. Before making a purchase from a reputable manufacturer, be sure to read the description and reviews in-depth.

Beware Of DCM

Run if you see this substance on any paint stripper’s ingredient list! Do your best to stay away from DCM. Dichloromethane, also known as DCM, is a very dangerous chemical. DCM can lead to health problems like headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness if inhaled. It can burn, rash, and cause redness when it comes into contact with the skin. Purchase only paint removers devoid of DCM and NMP.

What To Look For When Buying A Paint Remover?

The following factors need to be taken into account when purchasing a safe and efficient paint remover.

Type

Solvent

The paint’s adhesion to the surface is broken down by solvent paint strippers. They successfully remove paint, epoxy, and polyurethane from a range of surfaces, such as metal, masonry, and wood. They work well, but they also contain dangerous chemicals that are dangerous to your health, like methylene chloride and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.

Caustic

Paint is converted to a soap-like substance by caustic paint removers. With oil-based paint, this kind of paint remover works well.

Biochemical

These paint removers are made from plant-based solvents, making them a safer alternative to ones that use traditional solvents. They work well on surfaces made of masonry, wood, and metal to remove both water- and oil-based paints.

Non-toxic

VOCs are typically absent or present in very small amounts in non-toxic paint removers. They are the most secure option available for removing oil- and water-based paint from masonry or metal.

It Should Be Water-based

In comparison to regular paint removers, water-based paint removers are much more efficient. Acrylic, varnish, lacquer, oil, and water paints in various layers can be easily removed with this method.

Odorless

Odorless paint removers are becoming more and more popular every day. As opposed to traditional paint removers, they are safer and simpler to use. It is now simple to avoid discomfort from paint removal gels and sprays by purchasing odorless versions.

Non-caustic And Biodegradable

Choose non-caustic, biodegradable paint strippers over conventional, caustic-based paint removers. They are safe to use and friendly to the environment paint removers. Biodegradable paint removers provide a practical and contemporary solution to your issues because they are free of any chemicals that might contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases.

FAQs

What Does A Paint Remover Do?

A chemical solution known as a paint stripper is designed specifically to remove paint from the surface of wood, metal, and even masonry materials like brick or concrete.

Usefulness Of Paint Removers

Yes, modern paint removers have shown to be very helpful in recent years. They resemble professional paint removers remarkably, if not exactly. For household projects, you could always spend money on a reliable paint remover.

Can I Take An Analgesic In A Hot Environment?

The fact that paint remover tends to evaporate more quickly in warmer environments is a common thing to keep in mind when using it. Move the work to an area that is relatively cooler to avoid evaporation. Our suggestion is to apply a thick coating first, and then cover it with a cling sheet. These precautions will assist in maintaining the coating’s integrity and ensuring that it remains in place for a longer period of time so that paint can be thoroughly removed.

Which Surfaces Are Suitable For Using Paint Removers?

Recent paint removers can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including wood, masonry, concrete, marble, and flooring. We still suggest conducting a test before submitting the entire application. To determine whether the paint remover harms anything, use it on a small patch of the surface. You can carry on with the process if you don’t notice any warning signs.

The Bottom Line

Because older paint removers contained dangerous chemicals and toxic fumes, stripping paint used to be a difficult and dangerous task. Fortunately, there are now many paint removal products available that are efficient, simple to use, and made with safer ingredients that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and occasionally odorless.

Just keep in mind that all paint strippers have the potential to be hazardous, so whenever you are working with them, you should wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, chemical-resistant gloves, a respirator, and safety glasses.