Looking for a paint stripper that’s tough on paint but easy on your eyes (and nose)? We’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to those outdated layers of paint on your walls, furniture, or whatever other surfaces you’re looking to revamp. Trust us. We know better than anyone how frustrating it can be when all you want is a fresh start but are instead met with layer after layer of old, stubborn paint.
So, buckle up and get ready for a ride because we’re about to introduce you to the absolute best paint strippers out there. With our top five choices, you’ll be shedding paint layers left and right. We guarantee you’ll be completely satisfied with our selection of powerful, no-fail paint strippers. With these products, you won’t need to worry about the hassle of sanding or scraping any longer.
Table of Contents
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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1. Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
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2. Sunnyside 2-Minute Advanced Paint Remover
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3. MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper
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4. D Super Remover Paint Stripper
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5. Rust-Oleum 255449 Aircraft Remover
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1. Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
Specification
| Brand: | Citristrip |
| Surface Recommendation: | Wood, Metal |
| Color: | Orange |
| Item Form: | Gel |
| Scent: | Citrus |
| Specific Uses For Product: | Interior/Exterior |
| Material Features: | Scented |
| Size: | Various sizes available |
Features
- 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
- Goes on thick for easy application.
- Easy to Use
- Long Working Time
Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel is a top-tier choice for those who need to remove paint and varnish from their furniture or other surfaces. This product has been selected as our Editor’s Choice due to its effectiveness, ease of use, and excellent reviews. It stays wet and active for up to 24 hours, allowing you to strip multiple layers in one step.
WHAT WE LIKE
Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel shines with its non-toxic formulation, making it a safer choice for indoor use. It’s easy to apply and works effectively to remove paint and varnish, often in just one application. Plus, its long working time allows you to undertake larger projects without having to reapply the product frequently.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel is a great product, but it may not be equally effective on all types of paints and finishes. It has a pleasant citrus smell, but some users might find it overpowering.
PROS
- Non-toxic formula makes it safer for indoor use
- Easy to apply and use
- Effectively removes paint and varnish in one application
- Long working time allows for larger projects
CONS
- May not work as well on certain types of paint or finishes
- Some users might find the citrus scent too strong
2. Sunnyside 2-Minute Advanced Paint Remover – Best Fast-Acting
Specification
| Brand: | Corporation |
| Compatible Material: | Wood |
| Item Weight: | 2 Pounds |
| Liquid Volume: | 1 Quarts |
| Item Form: | Liquid |
| Scent: | None |
| Size: | 1 Quart |
| Specific Uses For Product: | Interior/Exterior |
| Material Features: | Fast Acting |
Features
- Removes multiple layers.
- Methylene Chloride free.
- Fast-acting liquid used for detailing textured surfaces.
- Strips up to 25 square feet.
- Easy to Use
- Fast Acting
When it comes to fast-acting paint removers, the Sunnyside 2-Minute Advanced Paint Remover is a top contender. Its rapid action and effectiveness make it an excellent choice for those who need quick results. You can expect to begin seeing results in just two minutes!
WHAT WE LIKE
The Sunnyside 2-Minute Advanced Paint Remover impresses with its fast-acting formula, beginning to work in just two minutes. Its versatility is another significant advantage as it can remove various types of coatings from different surfaces. The ease of application and use also adds to its appeal. We appreciate that this product is Methylene Chloride free, making it safer for indoor use.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Although the Sunnyside 2-Minute Advanced Paint Remover is great, some users have mentioned that it may not work as well on very thick or multiple layers of paint. Furthermore, even though it’s generally safe for most surfaces, it might cause discoloration on a few kinds of materials.
PROS
- The fast-acting formula begins working in just two minutes
- Versatility allows it to remove various types of coatings
- Easy to apply and use
- Safe for various surfaces
CONS
- Might not be as effective on extremely thick or multiple layers of paint
- May discolor certain types of materials
3. MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper – Most Family-Friendly
Specification
| Brand: | MAX Strip |
| Compatible Material: | Wood, Glass, Laminate, Fiberglass, Metal, Porcelain, Plastic & More |
| Item Weight: | 1.2 Pounds |
| Liquid Volume: | 1 Quarts |
| Item Form: | Gel |
| Scent: | None |
| Size: | 32 oz. |
| Specific Uses For Product: | Interior/Exterior |
| Material Features: | Non-Toxic, Skin-Safe |
Features
- Non-toxic and skin-safe formula.
- Removes paint, latex, polyurethane, shellac, varish, acrylic, and oil-based coatings.
- No methylene chloride or NMP.
- Easy to use with no special ventilation required.
- Suitable for indoor use any time of year.
The MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper is a popular family choice due to its non-toxic and skin-safe formula. It’s designed to be safe around children and pets while still effectively removing paint and varnish. This product is also easy-to-use, requiring no special ventilation and being suitable for indoor use any time of year.
WHAT WE LIKE
The MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper is an excellent choice for families and DIYers due to its non-toxic and skin-safe formula. Its versatility in removing multiple types of coatings from a variety of surfaces also adds to its appeal. This product is also easy-to-use, requiring no special ventilation and being suitable for indoor use any time of year.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Although MAX Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper is a good product, it may not work as well on certain types of paint or varnish. Some users have found that they need to use multiple coats or wait for extended periods to get the desired outcome.
PROS
- Non-toxic and skin-safe formula is ideal for families
- Effectively removes paint and varnish
- Easy to apply and use
CONS
- May not be as effective on certain types of paint or varnish
- May require multiple applications or longer sitting times for the best results
4. D Super Remover Paint Stripper – Best for Wood
Specification
| Brand: | D Super Remover |
| Compatible Material: | Wood, Metal & Concrete |
| Item Weight: | 2.4 Pounds |
| Liquid Volume: | 1 Quarts |
| Item Form: | Gel |
| Scent: | None |
| Size: | 32 oz. |
| Specific Uses For Product: | Removing Paint & Varnish |
| Material Features: | Non-Toxic, Water Cleanable |
Features
- Removes up to 5 layers.
- Ultra-fast action gel.
- Removes all types of paint from wood, metal, and concrete surfaces.
- Water cleanable.
- Safe for wood, metal, and concrete.
When it comes to stripping paint or varnish from wooden surfaces, the D Super Remover Paint Stripper is a standout choice. Its powerful and effective formula is particularly well-suited for wood, making it our top pick in this category. Aside from its performance, we appreciate the convenience of this product as it can quickly remove multiple layers in one application.
WHAT WE LIKE
The D Super Remover Paint Stripper excels with its powerful formula, providing effective results, particularly on wooden surfaces. Its versatility is another major plus, as it can be used on a variety of surfaces. The fast-acting nature of this product also saves valuable time and effort.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
Despite its strengths, the D Super Remover Paint Stripper does have some drawbacks. Its strong odor can be overwhelming and may require adequate ventilation during use. Additionally, while it’s generally effective, some users have reported needing multiple applications to fully remove paint or varnish.
PROS
- Powerful formula effectively removes paint and varnish
- Versatile and can be used on various surfaces
- Fast-acting formula saves time and effort
- Easy to apply and use
CONS
- Strong odor may require adequate ventilation
- May require multiple applications for full removal
5. Rust-Oleum 255449 Aircraft Remover – Best for Metal
Specification
| Brand: | Rust-Oleum |
| Size: | 18-Ounce |
| Item Volume: | 18 Fluid Ounces |
| Special Feature: | Non Toxic |
| Unit Count: | 18.0 Fl Oz |
| Surface Recommendation: | Metal |
| Item Form: | Aerosol |
| Included Components: | Painting Supplies;Paint & Stains;spray-paints |
| Age Range (Description): | Adult |
| Model Name: | 255449 |
| Item Weight: | 1.4 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: | 5 x 4 x 6 inches |
Features
- Professional grade formula.
- Removes paint, primer, and lacquer from metal surfaces.
- Aerosol form makes it easy to apply.
- Effective for use on vertical surfaces.
- Non-toxic.
- Versatile
- Easy to Use
If you’re dealing with paint or varnish on metal surfaces, the Rust-Oleum Aircraft Remover is an exceptional choice. Tailored for tough jobs, this product excels at removing even the most stubborn coatings from metal surfaces. We also appreciate the convenience of its aerosol form, making it easy to apply.
WHAT WE LIKE
The Rust-Oleum Aircraft Remover is a great option for removing stubborn paint, primer, and lacquer from metal surfaces. Its aerosol form allows for easy application, even on vertical surfaces. Additionally, it is non-toxic and safe to use indoors or outdoors.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
While the Rust-Oleum 255449 Aircraft Remover is a fantastic product, it does come with a strong odor that may require proper ventilation during use. Additionally, while it’s generally effective, some users have reported needing multiple applications for complete paint removal.
PROS
- Aerosol form makes it easy to apply, even on vertical surfaces
- Non-toxic and safe to use indoors or outdoors
- The powerful formula effectively removes paint and varnish from metal surfaces
- Fast-acting nature saves time
- Can be used on various surfaces
- Easy to apply and use
CONS
- Strong odor may require proper ventilation
- May require multiple applications for complete paint removal
Conclusion
In the grand scheme of paint and varnish stripping, Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel is like the chameleon of the jungle – adaptable, efficient, and always ready to perform. In a world full of stubborn paints and relentless varnishes, it comes in like a breath of fresh citrus-scented air.
While other products put up a good fight, Citristrip takes the proverbial cake with its non-toxic formula, easy application, and impressive effectiveness. So, if you’re seeking a paint-stripping gel that doesn’t just strip away the old but also brings in a whiff of the new, Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel is your go-to choice. It’s not just our top pick; it’s a game-changer in the realm of paint removal!
If you liked this article about the best paint stripper, consider checking out the other articles below —
- Best Paint Remover for Wood
- Best Spray Paint for Wood
- Best Natural Finish for Poplar
- Best Redwood Sealer
I am a woodworker with over 21 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.
