When it comes to stripping paint from wood, you want something that will remove all the paint from the wood you have, yet do it with minimum effort on your part.
And paint remover can be a harsh product, so you want to know what you’re getting your hands on (but not getting on your hands).
So we’ve stripped back all the paint removers and laid bare for you a few to help you choose the best paint remover for wood.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover
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2. Citristrip QCSG801 Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
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3. Sunnyside Corporation 65664 Hi-Speed Ready-Strip Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover
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4. MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper 1 Qt
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5. D Super Remover Paint Stripper
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1. Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover
Specification
| Volume | 1 gallon |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Type | Zero-VOC |
Features
- 100% Biodegradable
- No methylene chloride, no caustics, non-toxic
- Multi-Surface Compatability
- Removes Oil, Water, Acrylic, and Latex-based Paints
- Odor-Free
- Water-based
- 3-24 hours Dwell Time
This revolutionary Dumond Smart Strip is a professional strength paint remover for wood that is also suitable for many other substrates, so you can use it for other jobs too.
Incredibly it can remove up to 15 layers of all sorts of types of paint, varnish, and stains with one application – so a massive time saver.
It somehow manages to do all that and also be an environmentally friendly biodegradable product free from dangerous chemicals.
And it’s odor-free, so there are no unpleasant smells to put up with while it works its magic.
WHAT WE LIKE
Removing up to 15 coats of most coatings in one application can save lots of time and effort.
100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly is a bonus and unusual in what are traditionally harsh and unpleasant products.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Not suitable for pre-1980s or lead-based coatings, so not the best choice for paint that has been there a while.
PROS
- One Application
- Most Coatings and Substrates
- Odor-Free
- Toxin-Free
- Biodegradable
CONS
- Not Suitable for Old Coatings
2. Citristrip QCSG801 Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel – Best For Thick Layers
Specification
| Volume | 1 Quart |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Type | Solvent |
Features
- Thick Gel
- No methylene chloride, no NMP
- For Wood, Metal, and Masonry Surfaces
- Removes Oil and Latex-based Coatings
- Citrus Scent
- 30 mins-24 hours Dwell Time
This pleasantly named and pleasant-smelling Citristrip paint stripper is a thick gel that can be left to work for up to 24 hours without drying out and can cut through 5 layers of paint in under an hour.
And it has a nice citrus smell to fill your work area.
WHAT WE LIKE
Only needs an hour to remove five coats.
The thick gel won’t dry out in a hurry, so you can leave it on to cut through the stubborn layers.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
May need to be covered and left for up to 72 hours for some paints.
PROS
- Removes five coats in an hour
- Pleasant Smell
- Thick, stays wet
CONS
- Not suitable on all coatings
- Sometimes ineffective
3. Sunnyside Corporation 65664 Hi-Speed Ready-Strip Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover – Best For Fast Application
Specification
| Volume | Half Gallon |
| Weight | 4.5 pounds |
| Type | Solvent |
Features
- Fast Acting Spray
- Non-Drip
- Environmentally Safe
- No methylene chloride, No Caustics
- Multi-Surface Compatibility
- Removes Water, Latex, and Oil-based Coatings
- Citrus Scent
- Water-based
- 30 mins – 4 hours Activation Time
Continuing the theme of pleasantly named and citrus-smelling paint remover, the Sunnyside Hi-Speed is a fast-acting paint remover.
It removes paint in 30 minutes and can work through thick layers for up to 4 hours.
WHAT WE LIKE
If you’re in a hurry this is easy to apply and starts working quickly, but can also be left on if needed without drying out.
Being water-based makes it easy to clean up afterward.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
The downside of being water-based is that it makes wood damp, so it can soften it and affect the wood if you’re not careful.
PROS
- Fast Acting
- Easy Application
- Easy Cleanup
- Environmentally Safe
CONS
- Can Soften Wood
- May Evaporate
4. MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper 1 Qt – Best For Tough Paints
Specification
| Volume | One Quart |
| Weight | 2.3 pounds |
| Type | Low VOC |
Features
- Non-Drip Gel
- No methylene chloride, No NMP
- Multi-Surface Compatibility
- Removes Most Paint and Varnish
- Non-Toxic Low Odor
- Water-based
- Biodegradable
- 30 mins – Overnight Activation Time
This water-based and biodegradable paint stripper from MAX Strip uses patented technology that breaks down the molecular bond between the surface and the coating.
It works without a chemical reaction, so it doesn’t release toxic fumes, making it safe for use indoors and without protective gear. And safer around kids and pets.
WHAT WE LIKE
This is a good all-around paint stripper that’s capable of tough jobs and can be used indoors without ventilation or protective gear.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Needs to be applied thickly and then covered with film to work most effectively.
PROS
- Easy Application
- Easy Cleanup
- No Toxic Fumes
- Environmentally Safe
CONS
- Needs To be Covered For Best Results
- Mixed Results
5. D Super Remover Paint Stripper – Best Value
Specification
| Volume | Quart – 32oz |
| Weight | 2.42 pounds |
| Type | Low VOC |
Features
- Removes up to 5 layers
- Ultra-fast action gel
- Removes all types of paint
- Water cleanable
- Safe for wood, metal, and concrete
The new formula is just as effective as our original formula, but without Methylene Chloride, NMP, or any other highly toxic chemicals. This revolutionary new formula works the same way and is as effective as Methylene Chloride products. Super Remover New Generation is ideal for all stripping jobs. It can remove up to 5 layers in one application.
WHAT WE LIKE
A quick and efficient paint stripper that works in minutes. Paint removes easily after about 15minutes of application. Easy to apply and spread.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Not thick enough to apply to vertical surfaces. Fumes are still strong and require ventilation when working with this stripper. Requires heavy pressure to remove multiple layers.
PROS
- Fast-acting
- Efficient stripper
- Removes paint easily
- Easy application
CONS
- Not good for vertical surfaces
- Strong fumes
- Requires heavy pressure for multiple layers
Conclusion
While it’s hard to recommend one product as there are so many variations on materials and objects shapes and paints and coating if we had to strip it down to one – our recommendation for the best paint remover for wood is the Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover.
First and foremost, it is a highly effective paint remover – removing up to an incredible 15 layers in one coat, making far less work for you.
And it can remove most types of coatings from virtually all surfaces, so it is very versatile.
Doing all that and being 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly seems almost greedy, but it is – as well as non-toxic and odor-free.
And at the end of all that, it’s water-based for easy cleanup.
It’s a product that ticks many boxes (and then strips them down to bare wood).
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I am a woodworker with over 19 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.
