There is no doubt, stripping paint from your furniture and other stuff can be a time-consuming and challenging process especially if you don’t have the right tools.
Luckily, paint strippers came into existence. This stuff can actually alleviate your problems when it comes to stripping or removing paint.
A good paint stripper is your great assistance which gets rids of all the paints, and it does not leave any scratches on your furniture and other stuff.
However, when buying, make sure to obtain the best paint stripper that is environment-friendly, reliable, and safe.
Nowadays, there many different brands and types of paint strippers available on the market.
For this reason, choosing the best that suits your needs can be very challenging most especially if it is your first time to buy and use a paint stripper.
When you are buying, don't purchase anything just because it is straightforward to find and affordable. Make sure to do your own research regarding the product you are planning to buy.
Nevertheless, if you’re one of the many people who is having a difficult time looking for the best stripper, then this content can help you a lot.
Whether you are looking for paint stripper for wood, aircraft, metal, automotive, plastic, concrete, or fiberglass, then our buying guide has got you covered.
In addition to the list of the top paint strippers, we have also included the things that you need to consider when making a purchase.
So if you ready and excited to repaint your furniture or other stuff then let’s get started.
Product Name | Our Rating | Price |
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Top Overall Paint Strippers | ||
What is a Paint Stripper?
Paint stripper or also known as paint remover is made to remove paint as well as other finishes. The good thing about this product is that it is capable of eliminating colors entirely without leaving any scratches.
Apart from removing old paint, paint strippers are also used to clean underlying surfaces.
On the other hand, there are different types of paint strippers to choose from. So to give you an idea here are the different types of paint strippers.
Types of Paint Removers
Paint strippers are usually divided into three categories: biochemical strippers, caustic strippers, and solvent strippers.
Biochemical Stripper
The solvents found in this type of paint stripper are actually derived from plants that consist of lactic acid from corn sugar, terpenes from pines, and among others.
However, these strippers consist of harmful compounds, but they aren't as dangerous as a solvent and caustic strippers.
Biochemical strippers, on the other hand, make not offer you effectiveness like that of solvent strippers, but it is eco-friendly and doesn’t have a strong smell.
Stripping paint with this strippers may take time, but one thing is for sure this will work on any type of surfaces.
Caustic Stripper
It is a water-based solution that consists of PH 13 to 14. The primary component of this paint stripper is lye that is either caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) or caustic potash (potassium hydroxide).
With this stripper, the paint coat will be slackened from the surface since the lye reacts with paint’s oily components turning to a soap.
Further, a caustic stripper is ideal for removing enamel, latex, as well as latex paints. But, it is not suitable for polyurethane or epoxy coating as well as acrylic.
What’s more, a caustic stripper doesn’t work under 10-degree Celsius. But nevertheless, it is a lot easier to handle and not as harmful as solvent strippers.
Though these strippers have been known to cause lung irritation and skin burns especially when not used properly.
Solvent Strippers
Methylene chloride is one of the most common solvents that soften and dissolve the connection between film substrates causing the paint coating to bubble up.
Solvent strippers are more dangerous for health as it reduces the blood capacity to transport oxygen and might cause permanent cancer and kidney damage.
Thus, make sure to use this type of stripper properly.
Nevertheless, this stripper works well on polyuria, polyaspartic, polyurethane, epoxy, and acrylic. Apart from that, they also work great in draft-free and cold conditions since wind and heat cause evaporation.
Either way, they’re fast as well as extremely corrosive therefore they are capable of removing any type of coating.
Things to Consider Before Buying
When buying a paint stripper, there are lots of factors or things that must be taken into consideration so that you will be able to get the best value for your hard earned money.
Listed below are some of the essential things that you need to consider when or before making a purchase.
Price
If you're buying a paint stripper, make sure to compare the prices so that you will be able to see the right item that fits your budget.
Sometimes, paint strippers that can be bought online are cheaper compared to local stores.
Determine Your Surface
Before investing in a paint stripper make sure to determine if it is the appropriate paint removal method for your project.
In fact, for immobile and more significant projects such as siding and baseboards, heat might be your best bet.
For hardwood floors as well as more significant pieces of furniture that has even and flat surfaces, usually, sanding is the highly recommended technique.
But if your furniture's surfaces are uneven and bumpy, then you will need to utilize a paint stripper.
In addition to that, paint strippers can be an excellent option for interiors or furniture that sports awkward shapes and intricate designs.
And you can make use of paint stripper to finish a work that is mostly completed with sanding or heat.
Safety
When working with a paint stripper safety is one of the most important things that must be taken into consideration.
Paint strippers contain chemicals or compounds that may possibly affect your health.
For this reason, it is highly recommended that you should avoid paint stripper with critical components.
However, if you are considering safer alternatives, it is still recommended that you should take precautions when working with this product to protect your surroundings and most importantly, yourself.
As a reminder make sure to wear eye protection and impermeable gloves before starting the process.
Lastly, if you are planning to work with lead paint, it is best to contact an expert and perform research to make sure safe handling.
Type
As mentioned a while ago, there are three different types of paint strippers. Keep in mind that a paint stripper isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of product.
Thus getting the right one that suits your project is crucial. When making a purchase, always read the label carefully and check if it consists of hazardous chemicals.
Delivery
Unlike other products such as car parts, paint strippers are not burdensome. However, there is a tendency that your order will be damaged because of the inappropriate delivery system.
Thus, make sure you have an idea regarding the delivery procedure as well as ensure that you will receive the stripper without any damage or issue. You can also ask the seller when you’ll get the product.
Return Policy
Ensure that the shop has a return policy so that if the product you received was damaged, you could return it without paying again unless it is stated in their policy that you have to pay for the shipping fee or half of the cost. But usually, it is free of charge.
There you have it the six essential things that you need to consider when buying a paint stripper.
Now that you already have an idea on how to choose the right one to let's take a look at the best paints strippers that are currently available on the market.
Top Overall Paint Stripper
1. CitriStrip QCSG801 Stripping Gel
As the name suggests, the CitriStip have a citrus scent derived from many natural substances.
This paint stripper is both a practical and affordable solution for eliminating paint coats making it the top overall stripper.
Apart from that it doesn't contain methylene chloride that is a toxic compound that is usually in many paint strippers. Having that said, this stripping gel is relatively safe.
In the actual fact, this paint stripper doesn’t have any verified health hazard.
Further, it doesn’t have any smell meaning to say, there will be no issues with allergic reactions and fumes which may occur because of it. So, the need for respirators is eliminated.
On the other hand, this product can remove several coats of paint in one application and can be used for both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
Either way, you can clean this stripper using water.
Nevertheless, if you are looking for safer alternatives to toxic paint strippers, then this product can be a great option.
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2. Dumond Chemicals, Inc. 3301
This paint remover is a great option if you are looking to avoid dealing with liquid chemicals that can spread all over the place.
Since it comes in the form of paste, this stripper can be easily applied using a brush, roller, or even an airless sprayer. This is ideal since it allows you to remove paint by easily applying it and peeling it away.
Aside from that, this product from Dumond Chemicals does not have toxic chemicals such as methylene chloride. This allows for a safe environment.
Further, one application can remove several layers of paint.
This paint stripper performs great removing paints without having a damaging effect on gel coats.
With regards to the product application, you can trickle it on the surface or on a clean cloth which can then be smeared to wood surfaces and rubbed.
Either way, if you are looking for an easy method to strip paint while keeping your walls clean, then this paint stripper for walls is for you.
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3. Ecofast HD Liquid Paint Remover for Concrete by EcoProCote
This paint stripper by EcoProCote is accessible on a GEL or HD version. But in this post, we will be focusing on the liquid version.
The EcoFast liquid paint stripper is non-toxic, and it is free from dangerous chemicals and compounds such as methylene chloride, NMP, Toluene, Naptha, as well as mineral spirits.
Having that said, there is no doubt this product is safe to use.
Compared to other competitive paint strippers, the EcoFast HD has a nonaligned pH to work securely on a wide variety of surfaces.
As a matter of fact, it does not only work as a paint stripping for concrete, but it is also perfect for drawing removal, paint stripping on wood as well as paint stripping on block walls and bricks thanks to its advanced chemistry.
On the other hand, this liquid paint stripping has fast acting as well as penetrating formula.
Not only that it is dilutable with water to make much heavy duty and custom cleaning solutions like a cleaner that is utilized to eliminate label adhesives, glue residue, and heel marks.
In addition to that, the industrial applications take account of dip reservoir solvent cleaning and to clean chemical paint guns, equipment, and mixing tanks.
Its slow evaporative properties will let you allow the solution for one day to enable the paint to stripper perform the majority of the work.
As we have mentioned earlier, this pains stripper is formulated with neutral pH. As a result, you don’t have to neutralize and take note it won’t affect the future finishes and coatings.
Another good thing about this paint stripper for concrete is that it can be rinsed with water. Thus, it will not leave difficult as well as problematic oily filtrates like other competitive paint strippers.
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4. Goof Off Professional Strength Remover
When you’re trying to remove paint from fiberglass, you need a strong paint stripper that is primarily designed for this kind of surface. This is where the Gool Off Professional Strength remover come into play.
This product is actually made in the USA, and it is accessible in a 12 or 16 ounces bottle that comes with a trigger spray. As a matter of fact, you can either bring it with you to your job site or office use it at home.
This paint stripper is biodegradable and works very well. In addition to that, it can remove left residue or clean dried-on latex paints.
On the other hand, the Gool Off Professional Strength remover is practical as well as a powerful solution for eliminating different types of stains and spots that ordinary cleaners can’t.
Aside from being a paint stripper or remover, this product can also be used to remove nail polish, tree sap, scuff marks, marker, crayon, adhesives, glue, and among others. Furthermore, apart from fiberglass, you can also use this on a wide variety of surfaces such as hand tools, vinyl tops, grout, concrete, wood, brick, glass, and even metals.
This stripper can also go on automotive surfaces and countertops making it easier to remove spots and stains easily and quickly without creating any mess.
There is no doubt it is one of the most favorite paint strippers for fiberglass on the market today. As a matter of fact, it is only one of the few paint removers that don’t give off oily residue and harsh fumes.
Either way, this product is best-suited for DIY enthusiasts as well as for people looking to save time as well as remove paint more quickly.
Unless you're utilizing it regularly, the Goof Off Professional Strength remover will last for a couple of years you will not have to buy one ‘til you have pooped the content. On the other hand, it is a good idea to buy more than two bottles most especially if you are planning to use it regularly.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What Are Good Paint Strippers?
In general, good paint removers are ones which help you remove paint effectively and efficiently without being dangerous to your health.
Either way, almost all the paint strippers we have on this guide are top valued in their own categories, and their characteristics are quite the same.
With that said, you will be able to find lots of these on various marketplaces. But, it might be quite tricky most especially if it is your first time to buy. That's why we've only selected the top products on this list.
Q. Are Paint Strippers Expensive?
Usually, paint strippers are affordable. However, they are obtainable in various price tags depending on the product’s quality as well as the manufacturer. Some paint strippers cost less than $20 while other models can be as costly as $200.
Q. Is Goof Off Professional Strength Remove Safe to Use on Car Paints?
Even though this question looks like a personal one, honestly, we’ve gotten this question being asked by most car owners who are finding a way to remove old paint from their automobiles.
To answer this question, it's safe to say that you can utilize this this paint remover for fiberglass on your vehicle. As a matter of fact, it is safe to use, and it won't strip off the paint of your car.
Q. Is there an easy way to remove paint from metals?
The easiest way of stripping or removing paint from metals is to make use of a paint stripper that is specially designed for metal. With this product, you don’t need to get your hands on dangerous chemicals.
Apart from using paint strippers, you can also use vinegar to remove the paint. But keep in mind that this option can’t give you quick and great results.
Wrap Up
When it comes to choosing the best paint stripper, it is of the most vital importance that you want a product that is safe.
Apart from that, you should also opt for a product that is reliable and does its job without any toxic and harmful chemicals or compounds added.
Considering what kind of surface you are working on also plays a significant role with regards to choosing the right stripper.
Nevertheless, all the products in this list can be a great option, but our choice for the top overall paint stripper is the Soy-Gel Paint & Urethane Stripper as this product derives from natural substances and soybeans.
Also, it is also an effective and inexpensive solution for stripping paint.
Hopefully, this content has helped you a lot in choosing the right paint stripper that suits your needs and budget.
