Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Get the answers to your questions about the best paint strippers—what they are, how they work and which are best for your DIY project.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Paint strippers (or paint removers) are chemical compounds designed to quickly lift and peel away paint, varnish, lacquer and other coatings from surfaces, like wood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), metal and masonry. The main categories of strippers/removers found in stores today include caustic, biochemical, solvent-based and heat. We’ll explain more about each type of paint stripper below, but it’s important to know that paint strippers and removers, in general, can be harsh on the skin, so don’t forget to take caution when using them.
Now it’s time to shop the best paint strippers on the market.
via amazon.com
Loosening up seven layers of paint in one step without harsh chemicals, CitriStrip’s paint and varnish stripping gel does most of the paint-stripping work for you. It strips latex and oil-based paint, varnish, lacquer and shellac from wood, metal and masonry surfaces, making it a do-it-all product. Slather it on and let it penetrate. The gel stays wet and active for up to 24 hours.
It gets extra kudos for its fresh, pleasant scent. Since it won’t stink up the place, you can use it for your indoor paint stripping projects.
Pros
Cons
via homedepot.com
A solid value for a big 22-ounce bottle, the Max Strip All-Purpose Remover is a fast-acting spray that erases drips, spills and overspray left behind by sloppy painters, removing the damage before it becomes permanent. It also tackles stuff like permanent markers, ink, glue, decals, stickers, gum and anything else your kids can throw at you (or on the walls).
For extra-obstinate stains, let it sit a while. The dwell time can span a few seconds for pen marks to a couple of minutes for mysterious goopy stuff.
Pros
Cons
via amazon.com
Dumond’s heavy-duty paint remover is especially well-suited for large home renovation projects and historic restoration projects. According to the manufacturer, one coat strips up to 30 coats of paint! The formula also contains no VOCs, so it’s safer for you and the environment. The kit includes the paint stripper, laminated paper, Citri-Lize Neutralizer, a pH test kit and a plastic scraper under the lid.
One pail of Peel Away1 holds over 1 gallon of paint stripper, so it’s a cost-effective way to remove paint if you’re working throughout your home. It’s works on interior and exterior surfaces, and is excellent for removing old coatings from intricate or molded surfaces.
Pros
Cons
via amazon.com
If you want to steer clear of harsh chemicals, Dumond’s Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover is a revolutionary, nontoxic paste alternative that’s simple to use, even for novice DIYers. Totally biodegradable, Smart Strip cleans up with water, is pH-neutral and odorless.
You can buy it in 1-quart, 1-gallon or 5-gallon containers on Amazon. You can also buy it alone or as a kit with a plastic scraping knife set. This paint remover can remove up to 15 layers of paints and coatings in just one application and works on nearly any surface.
Pros
Cons
via amazon.com
This advanced paint remover dissolves numerous coats of stubborn paint and varnish in a blink of an eye. Just apply, set and scrape—it begins working in 30 minutes or less.
What’s more, the professional-quality, non-drip formula clings to most interior and exterior surfaces whether they’re horizontal or vertical. For eight to 15 layers, it could take up to 24 hours to work.
Pros
Cons
via lowes.com
Klean Strip’s paint and varnish stripper scores high marks for its ability to break down old paint, varnish, lacquer and shellac without ruining the wood’s natural grain underneath. Its semi-paste, brushable formula clings to vertical surfaces without runs or drips, stripping up to five layers fast. Dissolve decades of built-up finishes to give your treasured hand-me-down desk or funky garage sale headboard a new lease on life. Check out our guide to stripping wood furniture.
Pros
Cons
via homedepot.com
For a 100% chemical-free way to remove paint, consider the Furno 500 Heat Gun. This point-and-shoot tool can be used for stripping paint off family heirlooms, crown moldings and other uneven surfaces. It features two fan speeds and 12 digital temperature settings, ranging from 150 to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, for precise heat application.
It’s also handy for softening adhesives, defrosting PVC pipes, embossing and more. After you’re done, hang up the heat gun from the built-in loop to cool off and store.
Pros
Cons
