Tested: The 8 Best Paint Strippers for your Home Projects in 2024
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Easily remove paint that is past its prime with these high-performing paint strippers.
Paint prep is a necessary but sometimes tedious step, and some types of paint prep are easier than others. On a piece of furniture with only a few isolated peeling patches, a little scraping and sanding may be adequate prior to priming and repainting. But for a project that has already been painted several times—and likely shows widespread chipping, cracking, or blistering—the existing finish must be removed completely before the project can be continued.
This can be done manually with a hand sander and a whole lot of elbow grease (not an option with lead-based paint) or with a paint stripper, which will take care of the task at hand in far less time and with far less effort.
Before setting out to purchase a paint stripper, know that not all are suitable for all types of paint and surfaces. Some include harsh chemicals that require special safety precautions. To help clear up any confusion and narrow the options, we shopped for, tested, and reviewed several paint strippers for a variety of uses. We found that the Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover came out on top thanks to its low-odor formula that’s suitable for a wide range of surfaces. Keep reading to learn more about our shopping priorities, how these products performed in our tests, and why we consider them to be among the best paint strippers available.
- BEST OVERALL: Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Max Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Blue Bear 605Pro Multipurpose Coatings Remover
↓ Jump to Review - FASTEST-WORKING: Sunnyside Back to Nature Hi-Speed Ready Strip
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR WOOD: D Super Remover New Generation Stripper
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR METAL: Max Strip All-Purpose Remover
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CONCRETE: Motsenbocker’s Lift Off Spray Paint Remover
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel
↓ Jump to Review
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Before Buying a Paint Stripper
Is it really necessary to use a liquid or gel paint stripper? It depends on the project. Paint stripper reaches into the crevices of ornate trim and molding to remove paint where scrapers and sandpaper struggle. Strippers also reduce or eliminate dust and debris caused by sanding and scraping. But for flat surfaces, skipping the stripper could be the best choice.
Professionals often remove old paint from surfaces like wood siding or furniture with just a paint scraper or coarse sandpaper. For tough, resistant finishes like varnish or layered paint, pretreating with a heat gun or steamer loosens the finish before scraping.
When window locks, door hinges, or hand tools are marred with paint, thrifty DIYers reclaim them with the help of a slow cooker. To do this, place the hardware in the pot, cover with water, add a few drops of liquid dish soap, and let it cook on high for 6 to 8 hours. Remove the hot items from the cooker with plastic tongs to avoid scratching them, and the old paint will peel right off.
How We Tested the Best Paint Strippers
In the process of sourcing and vetting paint strippers for this article, we reviewed more than 50 paint strippers. We had several priorities. The products we recommend do not include known carcinogens or present other potentially serious health risks when used as directed. Using them does not require an inordinate amount of investment in special applicators or safety gear. And they work when used according to the label directions.
To learn how each of these paint strippers perform, we spent 20 hours testing them on wood, metal, and concrete surfaces. We also used the heat-gun and paint-scraper method as a point of comparison. For the wood test, we taped off 12 feet of old window casing into equal segments, one for each of the strippers. For the concrete test, we marked out nine 12-inch squares on a basement floor. Likewise, we designated equal-size sections of corrugated-metal roofing sheets for the metal test.
Our window casing and basement floor had previously been painted. We spray-painted the roofing material and let it cure for a week prior to stripping. Following the directions on the label of each product, we applied the strippers, let the product work for the minimum recommended amount of time, then tested with a scraper at intervals until the paint was ready to remove. Then we used a paint scraper, paint-stripper pads, and stiff bristle brushes to remove the paint as if we were preparing the surface for a fresh paint job. If any of the products required additional time or another application to complete the job, we did so.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Time spent testing | 20 hours |
| Tests performed | 5 |
| Price range | $15 to $70 |
Our Top Picks
We researched and tested some of the best paint strippers on the market. The products below remove paint quickly and work on a variety of different coatings and materials. Read on to find out how they performed.
Best Overall
Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover
Photo: amazon
Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Odor 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Biochemical
- Volume: 1 gallon
- Surfaces: Wood, brick, metal, concrete, stone, tile, glass, and more
What We Like
- Suitable for a wide range of surfaces
- Biodegradable formula is a more eco-friendly option
- No harsh odors; makes it easier to use indoors
What We Don’t Like
- Does not cling well to vertical surfaces
The formula of this biodegradable paint stripper, which is free of methylene chloride and NMP, imparts no nasty fumes as it removes paint (including lead-based), varnish, and urethane from wood, metal, masonry, and other surfaces, indoors and out.
The biodegradable paint remover can be applied by brush, roller, or sprayer. It’s successful at stripping new and decades-old paint coats from stone, metal, and other painted surfaces, all with ease.
Dumond Smart Strip had the lowest odor of all the products we tested, which makes it a better choice for indoor projects. The thick consistency of the product made it easy to apply a ⅛-inch-thick coating, which scabbed over somewhat during the extended working time, but it didn’t dry out. The 4- to 24-hour working range meant it took a bit longer to loosen the paint thoroughly compared to some of the other products, but given adequate time it cleaned as well as any of the others. We awarded it best overall because of its low odor, eco-friendly ingredients, and effectiveness for a broad range of surfaces and coatings.
Get the Dumond paint stripper at Amazon or Ace Hardware (5-gallon size).
Best Bang for the Buck
Max Strip Paint & Varnish Stripper
Photo: amazon
Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Performance 3.5/5; Odor 4/5; Effectiveness 3.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Noncaustic and low-VOC
- Volume: 1 quart
- Surfaces: Brick, metal, porcelain, wood
What We Like
- Drip-free gel formula allows for easier application
- Removes most paints and varnishes
- Simple cleanup with just water
What We Don’t Like
- Slight unpleasant odor
- Tough jobs require additional treatments
- Thin consistency leads to it drying out quickly
Low-VOC water-soluble Max Strip paint and varnish stripper contains no methylene chloride or NMP. The no-drip gel formula sprays, brushes, or rolls on easily with less mess than regular liquid chemical paint stripper. It removes most types of paint and varnish from most porous and nonporous surfaces.
This Max Strip stripper costs less per ounce than any of the other products we tested. In our trials on wood, metal, and concrete surfaces, it worked effectively. However, applications went on lightly because of the relatively thin consistency, so we had to cover the work with plastic after each application to keep the stripper from drying out. Also, the thin application meant it was necessary to repeat the application a second time on some areas with multiple layers of paint, but those instances were minimal. For everyday use, this product could make a reliable cost-effective pick, but it may not be ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Get the Max Strip varnish and paint stripper at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Eco-Friendly
Blue Bear 605Pro Multipurpose Coatings Remover
Photo: amazon
Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Performance 4/5; Odor 3.5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Solvent
- Volume: 1 quart
- Surfaces: Concrete, masonry, metal, wood
What We Like
- No methylene chloride or NMP; uses noncaustic and biodegradable ingredients
- Low odor; great for use indoors with little ventilation
- Can remove paint, varnish, enamel, and urethane
What We Don’t Like
- May darken concrete; take care when using
- Contains a higher VOC (497 g/L)
- Not for use on PVC, drywall, limestone, plastic, veneer, terrazzo, or rubber
Those who thought that citrus-based products were the only green paint strippers will be pleasantly surprised with Blue Bear 605Pro. This powerful product is made from soy-based solvents and is 100 percent biodegradable. It applies easily with a built-in squirt applicator. The thick consistency makes it simple to spread with a squeegee, brush, or roller, and it adheres particularly well on vertical surfaces.
In our tests, Blue Bear 605Pro stripped paint especially well with a single application, including multilayered paint. The consistency was thick, which made it easy to apply a generous layer yet runny enough to penetrate wood-trim details and pitted concrete. The downside of the extra-thick consistency was that it gave the scraped paint a gooey texture, which was a bit more messy to clean than the thinner products. The odor was not exactly pleasant but also not overwhelming. We found it to be highly effective and eco-friendly.
Get the Blue Bear paint stripper at Amazon or Franmar.
Fastest-Working
Sunnyside Back to Nature Hi-Speed Ready Strip
Photo: amazon
Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Performance 4/5; Odor 3.5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Biochemical
- Volume: ½ gallon or 32 ounces
- Surfaces: Wood, plaster, metal, brick, masonry, concrete, marble, veneers
What We Like
- No methylene chloride, so no harsh chemical odor
- Fast-acting formula is ideal for quick weekend projects
- Cleans up easily with just water
What We Don’t Like
- Thin layers are less effective; may require several coats
This paint stripper starts working just 30 minutes after application, making it one of the fastest means of stripping paint from wood, plaster, concrete, brick, stone, and masonry. It removes up to three layers of water- or oil-based paint and varnish and is applied with a sprayer, brush, or roller.
In addition to being a fast-acting product, Sunnyside hi-speed ready strip also produces low VOCs and uses no methylene chloride or other harsh chemicals, making it environmentally safe and leaving only a pleasant citrus aroma. It’s available in ½-gallon containers, which is enough to cover about 20 square feet, and quart-size spray bottles.
The test projects we treated with Ready Strip were consistently ready for paint removal in less than an hour. It did a great job of lifting single coats of paint but typically left residue behind when it came to multilayered paint. After a second application and some work with a paint-removal pad, the residue came off easily enough. The texture was moderately thick, so vertical surfaces were no problem. The odor was moderate and not completely unpleasant. This could be another good option for indoor projects.
Get the Sunnyside paint stripper at Amazon, The Home Depot (32 ounces), Max Warehouse, or HardwareAndTools.com.
Best for Wood
D Super Remover New Generation Stripper
Photo: amazon
Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Performance 5/5; Odor 1/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Solvent
- Volume: 1 quart
- Surfaces: Wood, metal, and concrete
What We Like
- Eco-friendly formula uses no methylene chloride or NMP
- Works fast (in just 15 minutes)
- Removes paint, epoxies, shellacs, varnishes, and more
What We Don’t Like
- May need to apply product more than once for it to work
- Each application requires a thick layer of product
- Strong odor; not great for use indoors
This paint stripper’s ability to remove some of the most commonly used coatings for wood, including oil- and water-based paint, epoxies, varnishes, shellacs, and lacquers, makes it an ideal paint stripper for wood. This formula does not include methylene chloride or NMP, which is safer for the user and the environment while also being gentler on wood. This makes it an ideal choice for stripping antique furniture. Be sure to use protective equipment for safe handling, including long sleeves, gloves, and goggles.
It begins stripping paint just 15 minutes after application and will remove up to five layers. Apply by pouring the stripper onto the surface and use a scraper to remove. D Super Remover stripper is available in 1-quart or 1-gallon cans.
For detailed woodwork, a chemical solvent like D Super Remover is sometimes best because it reaches deep into pattern work, quickly removes the finish, and won’t gum up the surface. It worked fast enough in our tests that the thin layer of solvent didn’t have a chance to dry out. We were able to scrape single-layer paint less than a ½ hour after application. With multilayer paint, it worked in just over 1 hour. The odor is intense, so make sure the work area has excellent ventilation before opening the can.
Get the D Super Remover paint stripper at Amazon.